CASTRATI
Matthew 19:11-12
“But he said to them, ‘All cannot accept this saying, but only to those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.’ ”
A eunuch is a man who does not have male genitalia, whether by birth or by operation, and does not have a normal sexual drive. For this reason, eunuchs were used as keepers of harems (see Esther 2:2, 14; 4:4). In medieval times, boys were used to sing the soprano part in choirs. It was a good, dependable vocation, so parents would castrate their boys to keep their voices from changing. Thus, they were called “castrati.” I believe that Jesus was answering the disciples’ idea that it is better not to marry. That is true only for eunuchs or castrati. Some religious organizations demand celibacy of their ministers, and have caused untold misery through sexual abuse and misconduct. Although there may be some men who are called to celibacy, this is not the norm. Marriage is honorable (Hebrews 13:4), and should be exalted.
TODAY’S PRINCIPLE: Marriage is the norm except for those without normal sexual urges.
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Have a “normal” day. Love you.
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