Can a celibate have friends of the opposite sex?

 

24th  Friday in ordinary time.  (Luke 8:1-3)

“These were the women who provided for them out of their means”

“Can a celibate have friends of the opposite sex?”

A certain priest became notorious for driving down to the brothel in the afternoon and spending some time there on a weekly basis. The parish Council couldn’t bear it anymore so they approached him, because he not only  scandalised parishioners, but also gave their Christian brethren from other churches a reason to ridicule them. For crying out loud, what business does the priest have in a brothel? Well the truth  was the priest encountered this lady (a prostitute) in the confessional and though she was sorry for her way of life,  she was reluctant to let go, nor would she come anywhere around the church unless for confessions once in a while. Thus, the priest took it upon himself to help her turn a new leave, so he visited her on a weekly basis.

What comes to your mind when you see a celibate with a friend of the opposite sex, if the prostitute lady, eventually starts coming to church, and she’s sighted with the priest standing and discussing after mass, or worse, the priest decides to drive her home, what will the many who don’t know the whole story think?

Christ  as man was celibate, yet he had female friends even female friends who were public sinners, Like Mary Magdalene from whom he cast out seven demons, who used to be a prostitute, Joanne the wife of Cuba, The steward of the same Herod that beheaded John  and sought after Christ. Jesus did not condemn these women like the rest of the people, He forgave them and drew them to himself in love, and they couldn’t but reciprocate that love in following him and providing for him and his disciples from their means. Mary Magdalene even followed him to Calvary when most of his disciples deserted him, and was the first to see him after his resurrection. What great Love she had for Christ, Just because Christ forgave and loved her, rather than condemn her like the rest did. As Christians whether celibate or not, we are called to love and forgive rather than judge despite the gender. Love and mercy could turn a sinner to a Saint, But condemnation helps neither the condemner nor the condemned.

Prayer : Lord May I draw people to you,  rather than scare them away.

OLIVIA MARY, OP

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