Priestly Celibacy

Todays reading from Matthew 19:3-12 challenges those who reject celibacy for priests. "Not all can accept this word [not to be married], but only those to whom it is granted....some, [never marry] because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven." It seems here that Jesus knows and even expects people to renounce marriage for His kingdom. Furthurmore, He does not reject it, but rather encourages it with finishing off this reading with, "Whoever can accept this ought to accept it." This "ought" is a teaser. It is almost as if He is saying that there is something good in celibacy. But not everybody can understand. "Oh, but that is not natural" some may say. I agree, it is not natural, it is ordered to the life of grace. And A life of grace, it is!