Except it be, etc.... In the case of fornication, that is, of adultery, the wife may be put away: but even then the husband cannot marry another as long as the wife is living.
19:10. His disciples say unto him: If the case of a man with his wife be so, it is not expedient to marry.
19:11. Who said to them: All men take not this word, but they to whom it is given.
All men take not this word.... That is, all receive not the gift of living singly and chastely, unless they pray for the grace of God to enable them to live so, and for some it may be necessary to that end to fast as well as pray: and to those it is given from above.
19:12. For there are eunuchs, who were born so from their mother’s womb: and there are eunuchs, who were made so by men: and there are eunuchs, who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. He that can take, let him take it.
There are eunuchs, who have made themselves eunuchs, for the kingdom of heaven.... This text is not to be taken in the literal sense; but means, that there are such, who have taken a firm and commendable resolution of leading a single and chaste life, in order to serve God in a more perfect state than those who marry: as St. Paul clearly shews. 1 Cor. 7. 37, 38.
19:13. Then were little children presented to him, that he should impose hands upon them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them.
19:14. But Jesus said to them: Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me: for the kingdom of heaven is for such.
19:15. And when he had imposed hands upon them, he departed from thence.
19:16. And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting?