Reflection 315
Based
on the 1965 Vatican II document: (Comments welcome here) |
This article speaks about the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience which the link from Wikipedia says "were stated by Jesus"
All
Christians are called to a life of chastity...but the traditional understanding
of the evangelical counsel of "chastity" means
"celibacy".
But should it?
The
above view is based on Mt 19.12 as referring to celibacy.
But Bible scholars are not agreed that 19.12 refers to celibacy
e.g. In "The Message" Bible, Eugene Peterson regards 19.12 as
referring to marriage and divorce, and he translates 19.11-12 as
"Not everyone is mature enough to live a married life.
It requires a certain aptitude and grace.
Marriage isn't for everyone.
Some, from birth seemingly, never give marriage a thought.
Others never get asked - or accepted.
And some decide not to get married for kingdom reasons.
But if you're capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it"
and see this commentary
Jesus, what did you mean in 19.12?!