Christ's Love and Understanding for Gays

I continue to be very irate at both sides, who put words in Christ's mouth either "condemning" gays or gays condemning Christ because of their misconceptions of his teaching. People should read carefully Matthew 19:12. While the topic of discussion between Jesus and his disciples is marriage, Jesus expands to talk about those who cannot marry in the full meaning of the word (male-female). He said: But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 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.

Now, understand that Jesus is deliberately using the word to indicate someone who cannot (or will not) have sexual relationships of one man to one woman, so do not let the use of the word "eunuch" disturb you. He is clearly speaking of men who are either born, made so, or chosen to be "eunuchs." Notice he is not saying anything that is not compassionate or outcasting. He does not say, oh, by the way, anyone like this is condemned by me. If he intended to do so, he would have. That does not mean he is endorsing a lifestyle choice that is outside of what is set forth in the ten commandments. But he is certainly not condeming gays out of hand, and he does not deserve being disrespected by gays who attack him because of some crazy ideologues. Jesus is kind and merciful to all, even when he cannot endorse a life style or a sin. In this passage he clearly states and recognizes that some of God's children are born a certain way. If the purpose of this conversation had been about being gay per se, he would have expanded on the subject. Clearly, as with heterosexuals, restraint and a moral lifestyle would be paramount to him.

I often think of Matthew Shepard and his terrible murder in 1998. His was a gentle soul, and he was personally escorted to heaven by Jesus and Mary. They recognized too the pathos of his needless and cruel death on such a "cross" like means. He would be very distressed if he heard people on both sides attack God's mercy, love, and understanding - for now he sees it forever first hand.

This is not an endorsement of an uncelibate priesthood, regardless of sexual orientation. It is a statement that people should not overlook the inclusiveness of God's love and acceptance of all. When some gays mock God and the Catholic church, they are doing God, and Jesus, a tremendous injustice. I know other gays who are very pious, and they are to be commended for maintaining their connection with God's love and the teachings of Jesus. The teachings of the Catholic church do not condemn a person for being gay. Gays and straights are all judged as children of God and their piety and moral character. As Jesus said, the most important things are to love and obey God with one's heart and soul, above all else, and to love one's neighbor (charity) as oneself. The Catholic church is also, truly, saying the same thing, so far being an individual. This does not mean that gay marriage is "OK" or that gay priests are OK. Jesus clearly speaks of marriage as between one man and one woman. He then discusses, as shown above, that there are others who are not of that orientation. He views them with love, understanding, and charity, and they are not automatically exiled from God's fold for being gay. But whether there is one gay person on earth or many, it does not change the sacraments (specifically marriage and the priesthood and their requirements). Being a human is not easy, and in our society, being pious and humble in the face of limitations and challenges is not easy either. Jesus, who was treated so unfairly and cruelly, understands that more than anyone. And his wisdom should be respected.