CELIBACY
If marriage is in the order of creation, what happens to those who remain single? Some among them do it voluntarily, “for the kingdom of heaven’s sake” (Mt. 19:12), like Paul (1 Cor. 9:5, 15).
In effect, the celibate is less involved in the affairs of life and less limited by the desire to please his spouse; He can thus devote himself to a determined service for the Lord without distractions of any kind (1 Cor. 7: 32-35).
This does not mean that celibacy is placed at a higher level on the scale of holiness than marriage. Each one must discern the particular calling and personal gift he has received from the Lord (1 Cor. 7:7).
The cap. 7 of 1 Corinthians is the only passage dedicated to celibacy; It is understood that Paul, fully justifying it, says: “He who gives her in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage does better” (1 Cor. 7:38); he would wish, from his point of view, that all men were like him and that they would be spared much pain (1 Cor. 7:7, 26-31); but he affirms that there is no evil in marriage, but quite the opposite (1 Cor. 7:27, 28, 36, 39).
Each one must seek God’s will individually (1 Cor. 7:7-9). If someone feels called to celibacy, it is because the Lord has given it to them as a gift; His singleness may be richly compensated, as in the case of Paul, with a great spiritual family (1 Cor. 4: 14-15).
If someone feels called to marriage, it will be in this state that he will truly glorify God.