MATTHEW 19:12 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.”
For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this, receive it. The three kinds of eunuchs: those born without normal sexual function, those castrated by others (often slaves or prisoners in the ancient world), and those who choose celibacy for the sake of the kingdom. The third category — voluntary celibacy for the kingdom — is the vocation that some are given. The let the one who is able to receive this receive it communicates the gift character of both marriage's permanence and celibacy's freedom.
Church Fathers on Matthew 19:12
A wife is a grievous burden, if it is not permitted to put her away except for the cause of fornication. For what if she be a drunkard, an evil temper, or of evil habits, is she to be kept? The Apostles, perceiving this burdensomeness, express what they feel; 'His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.'
For it is a lighter thing to contend with himself, and his own lust, than with an evil woman.
And the Lord said not, It is good, but rather assented that it is not good. However, He considered the weakness of the flesh; 'But he said unto them, All cannot receive this saying;' that is, All are not able to do this.
Read all 12 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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