Marrying Jesus

[PhuturePriest]

Many woman discerners always say they want to "marry" Jesus, and this is what they do in a sense. But I was wondering if it would be accurate to say that male religious "marry" Jesus as well? They take the same vows and do the same thing, it just seems this is more of a controversial thing to say. Is it accurate, and most importantly, is it okay to say?

[phatcatholic]

Perhaps a priest or a male religious would be more helpful here, but I've always understood the priesthood or the religious life to be a marriage [i]to the Church[/i]. The priest or male religious represents Christ, and the Church therefore is his bride. However, that said, we are all -- both man and woman -- called to the most profound union with Christ, and this relationship is often presented in the Bible in marital terms.

Many of the great mystics, and fathers, and saints of the Church who were men speak very openly and honestly of their love and tender affection for Christ, of wanting to kiss him, caress him, and be held by him. None of this should be objectionable, but it is also true that every man has to work out his love and affection with Christ [i]as man[/i] and come to terms with it, which does not happen overnight. Until then, it may be helpful for the priest or male religious to contemplate his marriage as being one with the Church, which is itself a very meaningful image.