ISB ~ Matthew 19 v12

eunuchs:i.e., royal servants in charge of a king’s wives. To safeguard against sexual temptations, eunuchs in the ancient Near East were either impotent or physically castrated.

Jesus speaks metaphorically:those who have made themselves eunuchs are those who voluntarily embrace celibacy in imitation of Jesus and for service in his kingdom. These men are leaders entrusted with the care of Christ’s bride, the Church on earth; embracing consecrated virginity, they live by anticipation the life of heaven (22:30). See note on Mt 9:15.

• The Council of Trent (Sess. 24, can. 10) teaches in accord with Scripture that the objective state of celibacy is higher than the married state, although both vocations are important for the Church’s life (1 Cor 7:1-8, 32-35; Rev 14:4; CCC 1618-20).