Sliney Central

Fr. Michael Sliney, LC

Priestly celibacy

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “People in the world think that the vow of chastity makes us inhuman, makes us become like stones, without feelings.  Each one of us can tell them it is not true.  It is the vow of chastity that gives us freedom to love everybody instead of simply becoming a mother to three of four children.  A married woman can love but one man; we can love the whole world in God.”  Blessed Mother Teresa

    Several years ago, I was interviewed by ABC news on the issues of priestly celibacy, and I was glad to have been given this opportunity to defend this beautiful religious vow.  I couldn’t agree more with Blessed Mother Teresa’s statement above.  It certainly is a sacrifice to be celibate, but it also allows us to love more people in an “undivided”, pure and holy way.  My heart belongs to Christ, and “in Christ, I am to love the whole world in God.”

Envy

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Thy Kingdom Come!

Dear Friends in Christ,

     “As a moth gnaws a garment, so doth envy consume a [person].”  St. John Chrysostom

     Don’t waste time and energy being envious of things that in the big picture really do not matter: good looks, material possessions, attractive personalities, etc… Rather, focus on the higher gifts, the deep virtues of others, and try to learn from them and imitate them, instead of trying to bring that person down!