Fr. John Jaddou - 4th Sunday of Advent 2021 - Feast of St. Joseph

Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle U.S.A.

Fulton Sheen “Celibacy is a gift…We did not offer celibacy, we received it.” “My attitude toward celibacy would be seen always in direct relationship to my personal love of Christ,” “Celibacy is not the absence of passion; it is rather the intensity of a passion.” “If a man gives up freedom for a woman he loves, then it is also possible for a man to give up a woman for Christ.” St. Paul makes it very clear that remaining single allows one’s attention to be undivided in serving the Lord (1 Cor 7:32–33). 32 I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is thinking about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. 33 But a married man is thinking about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, 34 and he is divided. St. Paul recommends celibacy (1 Cor 7:7) 7 Indeed, I wish everyone to be as I am, but each has a particular gift from God, The Angel said to Joseph… “Do not be afraid to take Mary into your home” When you take Mary into your home – you take Jesus into your home. Do not be afraid to give your whole heart to God.