Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 137.  Wed  9-11-91 13:37
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Jim Cox
 Subject: Perpetual Virginity of Mary

³ I think that, perhaps, in the current American Society that for many it is
³ unthinkable that Mary would have remained, or even would want to remain a
³ virgin for the rest of her life.  By claiming Perpetual virginity, aren't
³ we saying that there was no such thing as a "sex" life for Mary and
³ Joseph?
 
Dear Jim,
 
God's revelation to His children was finished at the time of the
death of the last of Christ's apostles.  Therefore what some people in
current American society may think of His arrangements is utterly
irrelevant.  God didn't consult them.
 
If we measure our religion according to the standards of our time and
place, we are lovers of this world.  St. James says of those who
break God's covenant:  "Do you not know that to be a lover of the
world means enmity with God?" (James 4:4).
 
Writing to young Christians, St. John says:  "You are strong and the
word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.  Do
not love the world or the things of the world.  If anyone loves the
world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the
world--sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life,
is not from the Father but is from the world" (1st John 2:14-16).
 
Of course, Mary's perpetual virginity means that Mary and Joseph had
no marital relations.  For two essays on the doctrine, you may
download from the files of this network:  1) Karl Keating's BRETHREN
OF THE LORD (ANSWER15.ASC in CATHOLIC ANSWERS directory); and 2)
Father Mateo's OUR LADY'S LIFELONG VIRGINITY:  SOME OBSERVATIONS
(MATEO.ZIP in USERS directory).
 
                                     Sincerely in Christ,
                                     Father Mateo