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Yes- Nobody can argue it’s a command. Mind you though - both Christ and St. Paul say "this" IS NOT for everyone (thankfully)- so that seems to have some guideline attached to it. But not a command, no. – Yet not everything need be a command- where there is acceptance.

We also have to understand the synthesis of the Word beyond, say, Leviticus into the NT- as Christ has fulfilled. Whether we choose to disregard the Divorce discourse in Matthew- or decide we are in fact worshipping a Triune God – these responses to Scripture develop out of our understanding and application of Scripture. It’s not about diminishing ancient scripture- but to understand it over applied time.

Too often we look at the Scriptures as a puzzle to find that missing piece or clue…. or to break a sacred code… when all along, all we are supposed to do is approach Scripture as if we are putting on a coat to wear for a new life - in the way St. Paul says…. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."

And…No, no… To be clear, this celibacy issue is NOT MY characterization of a “Gift” at all. I’m only sharing what I have learned. That was solely Christ’s and St. Paul’s view point- which I have come to fully understand through others- like Aquinas, C.S. Lewis and Scott Hahn of recent. Accepting the Gift, the Sacrifice- this is the basis of the Faith- The Gift of everlasting Life-and so made achievable through the many gifts The Spirit continues to offers us. (Ironically timed for todays Mass reading from John - also assures us that these given gifts are limitless- inexhaustible. Beyond our human structure.)

But I do get rankled when I hear this celibacy issue discussed- and this is why. The truth get so muddled and lost through debate and mis-direction. “Priest sexual scandals would disappear if Priest’s could have sex.” “ Homosexuality and Pedophilia are a result of abstinence” No, no… These are abominations – criminal deeds- that injure people yes- whereby they are an affront to the gift God is giving to those, abusing his divine Trust. It discounts where Christ says – The ones that CAN accept this, should accept it - to free ourselves from the flesh.” And if they can’t accept it Fine- get the heck out of there- but don’t think God will not see your deeds in the dark. And what does modern culture say…no, no… This celibacy thing- which supports abstinence as well- is” wrong and "un-natural"..…” Well, yes – it is- and THAT’s the whole point!!!
In any event, we've had a good discussion.