The Joy of Living Celibacy for the Kingdom

Celibacy is finding the goods of marriage Marital union and children are true goods in this world and therefore when they are freely refrained from for something else the celibate is saying with this choice that they have discerned a call from God to something which, for them, is even more desirable and in reality is a different form of the same goods.  The consecrated celibate is still seeking a spousal relationship, intimacy and parenthood in this life on earth just as much as married persons are.  However, for the celibate it comes in the form of a heavenly spousal relationship with God that is deeply intimate and truly life-giving and is also a spiritual motherhood or fatherhood that is beyond the bonds of blood Just as the love of the spouses in marriage is meant to be expressed in a gift that brings new life into the world so the celibate’s love for God in Jesus Christ and for all of his children is truly fruitful and life giving.  Spiritual parenthood is a very important aspect in the life of the consecrated celibate and is also a way that they continue to live out their sexual identity in this world. Spiritual fathers, for instance, are men who father in a masculine way, leading, guiding, and providing in spiritual ways for their children even if these children are not their own biological offspring.  Spiritual mothers are women who truly mother with all of their femininity intact utilizing great patience and care while nurturing their spiritual sons and daughters into the life of Christ.  The celibate St. Paul speaks of this life-generating gift in a spiritual way when he addresses the Galatians, “My children, for whom I am again in labor until Christ be formed in you