Meaning of CELIBACY

If marriage is in the order of creation, what happens to those who remain single? Some among them do it voluntarily, "for the kingdom of heaven's sake" (Mt. 19:12), like Paul (1 Cor. 9:5, 15).

In effect, the celibate is less involved in the affairs of life and less limited by the desire to please his spouse; He can thus devote himself to a determined service for the Lord without distractions of any kind (1 Cor. 7: 32-35).

This does not mean that celibacy is placed at a higher level on the scale of holiness than marriage. Each one must discern the particular calling and personal gift he has received from the Lord (1 Cor. 7:7).

The cap. 7 of 1 Corinthians is the only passage dedicated to celibacy; It is understood that Paul, fully justifying it, says: "He who gives her in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage does better" (1 Cor. 7:38); he would wish, from his point of view, that all men were like him and that they would be spared much pain (1 Cor. 7:7, 26-31); but he affirms that there is no evil in marriage, but quite the opposite (1 Cor. 7:27, 28, 36, 39).

Each one must seek God's will individually (1 Cor. 7:7-9). If someone feels called to celibacy, it is because the Lord has given it to them as a gift; His singleness may be richly compensated, as in the case of Paul, with a great spiritual family (1 Cor. 4: 14-15).

If someone feels called to marriage, it will be in this state that he will truly glorify God.