10. Marriage Imagery & the Priestly Groom

An Argument Against Priestesses

"One of the problems is our false use of the groom and bride imagery for Christ and the Church."

It is difficult not to take offense at the suggestion of reconsidering priesthood outside of the context of what you call [elsewhere] "the Christ-Church marriage mystery." Not only is it a common thread woven throughout the Christian view of marriage, it is also a bulwark of our ecclesiology and view of the priest conducting the sacerdotal sacraments. It is the cornerstone of a theology and spirituality of priesthood. By virtue of his identification with Christ, the priest at Mass sees himself involved with a mystical marriage to the Church. This is especially true of celibate priests. Cast this aside, and not only would many of the inherent rewards of priesthood evaporate, but many would be unable to continue in this most important ministry. If I were a dissenter, I would probably argue your case differently than you do. Thank God, I have always had a receptive heart and mind to the teaching of the Church.