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“A Manner Truly Worthy of the Person”
If the procreative aspect of conjugal union is excluded, then that truth of the person and of the act itself is destroyed. On the outside it may look like the man and woman are completely giving themselves to each other, but in reality they are not since they refuse to accept everything about the other, including his or her fertility.
On the other hand, exercising self-mastery and promoting respect for each other and the conjugal act, couples are called to practice responsible parenthood and in this way act in a manner truly worthy of the person.
The other way of living out the self-gift to which each and every human person is called is through the vocation of celibacy. The celibate person shows the rest of the world what we are ultimately called to and destined for in heaven: complete union with God.
Contrary to what many people think, celibacy is not a repression of one’s sexuality. Rather, celibate men and women are called to use their sexual energy to make a gift of themselves to others in different ways: in service, in evangelization and spiritual parenthood, to name only a few.
John Paul II knew that living either calling is not easy. It is not even really possible without the grace of Christ’s redemption. But, through the power of his death and resurrection, living true purity of heart in relationships is really possible, and not only possible, but necessary!
