** Saint Paul understood this most clearly, and manifested it in his letters. In 1 Cor. 7 he speaks of his own celibacy, and encourages as many men and women as possible to embrace this state in life, in order to be more concerned with the Lord’s affairs (cf. 1 Cor. 7:32-35). Though some think that he was originally addressing only Jewish Christians and their marital concerns in this text, the early Church always understood his words in a broader way, referring to the gift of celibacy and its power to free a man or woman for spreading Christ’s kingdom, as Paul himself had done so assiduously. **
Advent Series — Celibacy Ping
For Advent: The Synoptic Problem
For Advent: Investigate the Abortion Industry
For Advent: The Virgin Birth
For Advent: Two Canons: Scripture & Tradition
For Advent: SAINT JOSEPH AND LIVING OUT ADVENT
For Advent: How to Advent
For Advent -- 24 Quotes About Purity That Every Young (& Old) Catholic Should Know
For Advent: Five Ways To Stop Worrying TODAY!
For Advent: Answering the New Atheism, Dawkins Dismantled
For Advent: The Sunday Propers: Advent and Penance
The Bible CLEARY permits a married clergy:
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach.”
1 Timothy 3:2