Subsequently, if the Church in the 21st Century desires to more deeply reflect on the mystery of the person of Christ, his celibate priesthood and/or his married priesthood, it is more theologically fitting to highlight his married state to the Church. The married priesthood of Jesus Christ is also eschatologically more reflective of the mystery of his person than his earthly celibate state. The married priesthood perhaps reflects more eminently the paschal mystery of his death and resurrection, of his sacrifice to his Eternal Father on the Cross for his bride the Church for whom he gave his life.
"From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride / With his own life he bought her and for her life he died."
Therefore, just as the Church is both Virgin and Mother, Christ is both celibate and fruitful. Christ is both celibate Bridegroom and married Lover.
A married Catholic priest, acting in persona Christi during Mass also (and perhaps more so), expresses the love of Jesus Christ for his Bride the Church. This means that the wife of the priest is in persona Ecclesiae.
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