Father, I wish you could get married

Father, I wish you could get married February 19, 2012

Imagine you run into a high school buddy after many years and he asks you, “who did you marry?”

You answer, “Susie, and I’m so happy.”

Your buddy replies, “That’s too bad, I really wish you had married Lola.”

The reply is very rude and inconsiderate!  It questions your choice while also questioning where you find happiness.

The reply may seem odd and improbable, yet people, and many times faithful Catholics, say this to priests occasionally.

“Father, I wish you could get married.”

Think about it.

A priest is called and has chosen to live a celibate life for the glory of God.  He has chosen to live a celibate life to give himself entirely to Christ and His Church.  The priest has not chosen to live out his vocation haphazardly just as one does not choose a spouse haphazardly.  To say to a priest who is living out his priesthood happily that you wish he could marry is like saying to a happily married friend you wish he had married someone else.

I gave this example to a group of eighth graders several weeks ago, and they got it.  I remembered it today when yes, someone told me she wished I could get married.  I smiled, thanked her, and kept going.

Pictures are mine, all rights reserved.


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