Wait… Weren’t the Apostles Married? 🤔

 

Yep! In fact, Scripture mentions that the apostles brought their wives along as they traveled. Here’s where it gets confusing: Did they continue, uh… being married after Pentecost? Some people believe they took a vow of celibacy, but Fr. Simon isn't convinced they did.

 

Fast forward a few centuries, and we see a split between the Eastern and Western Church. In the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches, married men can become priests. In the Western Church (a.k.a. Roman Catholic Church), celibacy became the standard.

 

So, How Did Celibacy Become the Norm? 

 

It all traces back to the monks. Monasticism changed everything!

 

Back in the day, monks were the most educated and spiritually disciplined men around, so they often got tapped for priestly duties. Monks, of course, took vows of chastity, and eventually, that became the expectation for all priests in the West.

 

Here’s an interesting fact: In the Eastern Church, priests fast from intimacy before celebrating Mass. Since their liturgies were less frequent (every Sunday), that wasn’t a huge issue. But in the West, where daily Mass became the norm, it just made sense for priests to be celibate all the time.

 

But… Isn’t It Because Priests Are “Married” to the Church? ⛪💍

 

That’s part of it! The “Christ is the Bridegroom” imagery adds a beautiful layer of meaning to celibacy. But Fr. Simon explains that this wasn’t necessarily the original reason, just a later theological explanation.

 

Celibacy in Today’s Church 🙏

 

Priests have an important vocation. They’re moved from parish to parish (a policy that really kicked in around 1972), which Father says makes it harder for them to form lasting community bonds.

 

Father's opinion is that priests need stability. Back in the day, a pastor would stay in one parish for life, and the parish became his family. Now, it’s a lot lonelier. We need to pray for our parish priests and reach out for support!

 

Invite your pastor over for a Sunday meal some time!

 

 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Wait&hellip; Weren&rsquo;t the Apostles Married? 🤔
&nbsp;
Yep! In fact, Scripture mentions that the apostles brought their wives along as they traveled. Here&rsquo;s where it gets confusing: Did they continue, uh&hellip; being married after Pentecost? Some people believe they took a vow of celibacy, but Fr. Simon isn't convinced they did.
&nbsp;
Fast forward a few centuries, and we see a&nbsp;split between the Eastern and Western Church. In the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches, married men can become priests. In the&nbsp;Western Church (a.k.a. Roman Catholic Church), celibacy became the standard.
&nbsp;
So, How Did Celibacy Become the Norm?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It all traces back to the monks.&nbsp;Monasticism changed everything!
&nbsp;
Back in the day, monks were the most educated and spiritually disciplined men around, so they often got tapped for priestly duties. Monks, of course, took vows of chastity, and eventually, that became the expectation for all priests in the West.
&nbsp;
Here&rsquo;s an interesting fact: In the Eastern Church, priests&nbsp;fast from intimacy before celebrating Mass. Since their liturgies were less frequent (every Sunday), that wasn&rsquo;t a huge issue. But in the West, where&nbsp;daily Mass became the norm, it just made sense for priests to be celibate all the time.
&nbsp;
But&hellip; Isn&rsquo;t It Because Priests Are &ldquo;Married&rdquo; to the Church? ⛪💍
&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s part of it! The &ldquo;Christ is the Bridegroom&rdquo; imagery adds a beautiful layer of meaning to celibacy. But Fr. Simon explains that this wasn&rsquo;t necessarily&nbsp;the original reason, just a later theological explanation.
&nbsp;
Celibacy in Today&rsquo;s Church 🙏
&nbsp;
Priests have an important vocation. They&rsquo;re moved from parish to parish (a policy that really kicked in around 1972), which Father says makes it&nbsp;harder for them to form lasting community bonds.
&nbsp;
Father's opinion is that priests need stability. Back in the day, a pastor would stay in one parish for life, and the parish became his family. Now, it&rsquo;s a lot lonelier. We need to pray for our parish priests and reach out for support!
&nbsp;
Invite your pastor over for a Sunday meal some time!
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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