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Week
7 -
They asked how I could lead a life of celibacy...
Over the years, I’ve encountered people who have earnestly asked how I
could lead a life of celibacy. Admittedly many have told me that if it
wasn’t for celibacy or vows of chastity, they would have easily
considered a vocation to the priesthood/religious life. Personally, I
do not see celibacy as a limitation or obstacle, as if it was an ordeal
that needed to be endured. Seeing it in this manner will surely cause
one to fail in that regard. Depending on our state of life, all of us
are called to live chastely—whether married, single, religious, or
ordained. In marriage, the choice for a spouse creates a unique bond
between loving couples. A consequence of this decision, however,
delimits one from having that very same bond with anyone else.
Celibacy, on the other hand, remains a special gift from God. It is not
“better” compared to marriage, but it allows one to have a multitude of
unique bonds that transcends any physical relationship. Through
example, Jesus our High Priest lived celibately so that he could be all
things to all people. This is one of the reasons why we call priests
“Father,” as one who is father not just to an individual or a single
family, but to all of God’s people.
For me, the idea of becoming “Father” creates mixed feelings. On the
one hand, it will feel like a tremendous responsibility to act as our
Good Shepherd did. This in itself, however, stems from the prevalent
idea that the world should revolve around me. It’s my daily challenge
to see that it is God who brings about every blessing and good that
happens. I may be an instrument of that, but I am never the original
source of that goodness. Fortunately, God humbles me during those times
when I need it, but I still have quite a ways to go. I’m frequently
told by other priests that one of the most beautiful aspects of this
vocation remains in the sacraments. For instance, one can baptize an
infant then see them grow into their confirmation and even to their
wedding. Most parents will be lucky to experience this several times in
their lifetime. Imagine what it must be like for a priest when you
multiply this number in the thousands! Living with other priests at
Sacred Heart, I have not encountered the usual stigma of grumpy men who
are unhappy with their celibacy. I’ve found quite the opposite to be
true—men who are happy and in love with their priesthood. Celibacy
isn’t what it’s made out to be—it’s actually better and shouldn’t be
something that “needs to change.” Perhaps, it is only society’s
perspective that does...
Augustine Chang |
