A Limited Priesthood

I have a difficult time understanding why the priesthood is limited to only celibate men in the Roman Catholic Church.

The Bible seems to suggested married life is a requirement for the clergy (see 1 Tim 3:2ff) and Paul makes several references in his letters to deaconesses.

I do not mean to question or belittle the discipline of celibacy; it is a high calling. But, it is not a lifestyle which everyone is meant to pursue. Does that mean that this is the only way one is to become a priest?

If we are to suggest that Christianity is the universal religion, should we not also have a universal priesthood? One that is made up of all peoples regardless of race, ethnicity, political party, gender and marital status?

The priesthood will fail to be universal so long as it excludes women and married people from its ranks. Without a universal priesthood, can we have a universal church?

The Physical and Spiritual Aspects of the Eucharist

I notice in the Roman Catholic Church the heavy focus on the physical (material) part of the Eucharist; that it really becomes Christ's physical body and blood. I have wondered if there is any spiritual aspect to the Eucharist as well; that it hosts the spirit of Christ.

There is more to Christ than just his physical body. Humans are made up of both body and spirit. Jesus, being born a man, also has a body and a spirit.

I believe that when we consume the Eucharist there is more to it that putting Christ's body and blood into our mouths and down to our stomachs. We not only consume Christ physically, but we also consume him spiritually.

Consuming the bread and wine is a physical act, but consuming the spirit entails much more. It is a putting on of Christ. One's spirit must be open to receiving him.

Is it possible to consume the bread and wine and yet fail to consume the spirit of Christ? If this happens does one receive the Eucharist at all?

Is it possible to receive Christ's spirit at the Eucharist, without receiving the physical elements?

Which aspect should we focus on?

It is me.

I have decided that it is not wise to continue on this struggle without telling someone from my home denomination so I emailed my regional minister (comparable to a bishop in the Roman Catholic Church) this weekend.

He called me this morning to discuss some of my difficulties as well as what attracts me to the Catholic Church. We spoke for about half an hour. He assured me that I still have a home in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and that our church welcomes - and encourages - personal theological struggle.

Honestly, he didn't tell me anything I wasn't expecting. And I found comfort in the phone call. He didn't tell me to "get out" or that I wasn't fit for the ministry.

I have been worried about people from back home finding out that "gasp!" I am having questions about the church, so I have been using a pseudonym on my blog. My regional minister assured me however that I can be true to myself and my struggles within our church.

So, I'm dropping my pseudonym and I'm going to own this struggle. This is who I am.