Sunday, February 8, 2009

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Our Gospel reading refers to the mother-in-law of St. Peter, and some may get this a little confused. While it is possible (and even likely) that St. Peter was married, the mere mention of a mother-in-law is not proof that he was still married as he followed Jesus Christ. Note that there is no mention of his wife - most likely because she had died. This passage does not provide proof, therefore, against celibacy. Further, note that the Church has allowed married men to be be ordained (as often the case for permanent deacons, and even for those who were married and are free to be ordained priests either because of death or because there was no sacramental marriage due to invalidity or lack of form). Once ordained, though, the man can not marry, at least without the Vatican's approval.

The rest of this passage reminds me of the people's desire to know Jesus. The faith, as seminal as it was, attracted them to Him. Yet He knew He had others to lead into faith. In our vocations, we too are invited to lead others to Christ. Do our actions and words lead others to Him?

No comments: