In „Reflections on Priestly Fatherhood in Light of Contemporary Challenges”, Antonio Lopez observes that the current crisis in the Church „represents a call to rediscover what priestly existence is about and to re-decide with greater awareness, freedom, and totality in its favor”. He thus considers the mystery of the priesthood, which is both nuptial and paternal, as bringing together two essential aspects of the incarnate God’s faithful love for his people, both of which involve the integrated maleness of the priest as embodied icon of that love. If we recognize the role of the body and the essential nature of the sexual difference, Lopez argues, then „it is possible to see the conflict affecting the paternal and spousal dimensions of the ordained priesthood centers on one point: the rejection of the fruitful receptivity proper to love”.
