Comments
In the form of a question.
Several people have commented on a couple of my posts dealing with the Church’s regulations regarding the ordination of homosexuals, while some have emailed me asking questions such as these:
“Why would God call a gay man to the priesthood, only to be rejected by the Church who tells him no?” Or, “What about gay men who are already ordained - how can they be priests if the Church says no?”
Very interesting.
Of course the answers to these questions are way beyond my competence. (I only have opinions.) However, concerning the subject of the sacrament of Holy Orders as it applies to gay men, a friend sent me this:
Simply because a homosexual person is ordained, it doesn’t necessarily mean the“ordination is a guarantee of a Divine call. Ordination does not require some divine confirmation of a call before the Bishop can extend a laying on of hands, it requires only a male, and the correct form of the sacrament. Even if one is forbidden by law, ordination is one of those sacraments that works ex opere operato* (by the fact of it being worked), just like the Eucharist. So, just because one is a priest does not mean he has been called. Why are these gay men priests? I don’t know. Is it possible some with tendenceis that aren’t deeply rooted are in fact called? Sure. Is it absolutely the case? Certainly not.” (Thanks Dr. Phil!)
Makes sense to me. (And no sister - it doesn’t work for you because you are not a male. Women are not admitted to the seminary nor can they be ordained priests.)
*1128 This is the meaning of the Church’s affirmation49 that the sacraments act ex opere operato (literally: “by the very fact of the action’s being performed”), i.e., by virtue of the saving work of Christ, accomplished once for all. It follows that “the sacrament is not wrought by the righteousness of either the celebrant or the recipient, but by the power of God.”50 From the moment that a sacrament is celebrated in accordance with the intention of the Church, the power of Christ and his Spirit acts in and through it, independently of the personal holiness of the minister. Nevertheless, the fruits of the sacraments also depend on the disposition of the one who receives them. - CCC
May 27th, 2008 at 9:29 am
So are you suggesting that God does not call gay men to ministry? That the call that they discern is not a call at all? I truly hope that that’s not what the implication is….
May 27th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Good points, Terry
From a historical point of view, when royalty and knighthood were in flower, it was often determined that there should be a bishop, archbishop or a pope in the family and a younger son, probably with no call whatsoever, was ordained and then consecrated, or occasionally, elected pope.
But these ordinations, consecrations and elections, if properly carried out, were valid.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Thom:
I would say that “gay” men would not likely be called by God to ministry because if they were practicing the gay lifestyle, no doubt they would be almost always in a state of mortal sin.
And to me, “gayness” implies a certain amount of pride in being a homosexual.
That’s where I believe that the Senator from Idaho, Larry Craig, who was caught in the bathroom at the Twin Cities airport was telling the absolute truth when he cried out “I’m not gay!” He is homosexual, but he is not gay.
Now, if they were celibates with a predisposition to homosexuality, no longer giving in to it for a significant period of time (”I quit yesterday” doesn’t count), I think it is probable that such homosexuals could receive a call.
Being in the state of grace is what counts.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
May 27th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Then that’s where we don’t agree, as “gay” and “homosexual” are synonyms.
May 27th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
For me, this is an instance where I just have to trust that the Church knows what she is talking about. I don’t know how this weakness is different than any other weakness (or disorder). I certainly can see the resultant damage and scandal. But, what if God does call a homosexual and provides him the grace to live a chaste life? Glad this isn’t my call.
May 27th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I should’ve said, “Glad this isn’t for me to decide.”
May 27th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Well I for one think this whole homo thing is getting far too much attention! The very idea of homo priests - why it is just absurd! If I find out who is posting these things I’m going to give him a piece of my mind!
:o
May 28th, 2008 at 7:26 am
How can someone who is not right in his own head be a priest?
May 28th, 2008 at 9:51 am
That’s the best picture! I’m sending it to Father Erik–he hates dancing–I’m sure he’ll get a chuckle out of it!