Must he reverse the vasectomy?, Consummation of Mary’s marriage, and Loving a friend with SSA without compromise | ACW373
Ask Christopher West
Theology of the Body Institute
4.9 • 549 Ratings
🗓️ 23 February 2026
⏱️ 55 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
–This episode is sponsored by Truthly–
Questions answered this episode:
- A man in his 50s had a vasectomy years ago and, after a conversion, is now discerning marriage with a Catholic woman of childbearing age. Must he attempt a reversal for the marriage to be valid? If it’s possible and not life-threatening, should he try to restore his generative power? If it fails and he remains sterile, that wouldn’t invalidate the marriage if she knows. But if he refuses to consider reversal, is he excluding the procreative meaning of marriage? Can fear of risks justify not attempting it?
- The Catholic Church teaches that Mary was a perpetual virgin. The Church also teaches that a man and woman are not truly married until the marriage has been consummated. So how can we call Joseph the spouse of Mary if their marriage wasn’t consummated, and why is it important that Mary remains a virgin?
- My roommate, who is Catholic, just told me she’s moving because she’s dating a woman. I had no idea she’s been experiencing same-sex attraction for years. She said she’s talked with the Lord and doesn’t feel He’s telling her this is wrong. She’s not looking for guidance in resisting it or open to correction. How do I love and support her without compromising my beliefs? She asked me not to tell anyone, but I feel very alone and troubled. Will she keep going to Mass? Would she receive the Eucharist? Why does she feel such a deep connection and love with this woman?
Resources:
Colorado Ski Retreat with Christopher
Ask Christopher West is a weekly podcast in which Theology of the Body Institute President Christopher West and his beloved wife Wendy share their humor and wisdom, answering questions about marriage, relationships, life, and the Catholic faith, all in light of John Paul II’s beautiful teachings on the Theology of the Body.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Our faithful listeners know that I've been of late sharing with you guys an app called Truthly. |
| 0:09.8 | Truthly, we have entered into a partnership with Truthly. |
| 0:12.3 | I believe in what they're doing. |
| 0:13.5 | They believe in what we're doing. |
| 0:15.3 | And our audience, who is familiar with asking questions about the Catholic faith, |
| 0:20.5 | you guys should really know about this app called Truthly. who is familiar with asking questions about the Catholic faith. |
| 0:27.9 | You guys should really know about this app called Truthly, T-R-U-T-H-L-Y, |
| 0:31.4 | faithful to the Magisterium, rooted in Scripture, |
| 0:33.3 | thinking with the mind and heart of the church. |
| 0:39.4 | You can go on Truthly and ask any question about the Catholic faith, and you'll get an orthodox answer, using all the technology of artificial intelligence and putting it to very good use. |
| 0:47.8 | I've been using Truthley just to poke around and see what kind of answers they come up when |
| 0:52.8 | I type in certain questions. |
| 0:54.7 | And I've been impressed. I've been impressed. They're doing good stuff. And I think it is |
| 0:59.0 | definitely worth our just shouting out to our audience and say, give it a try. You can get a |
| 1:03.9 | seven-day free trial by just going to wherever you get your apps, the Google Play spot, if you're |
| 1:10.5 | an Android person, |
| 1:11.7 | or go to the app store on the iPhone, and learn more about what the good folks are doing at Truthly. |
| 1:24.4 | From the Theology of the Body Institute, this is the Ask Christopher West podcast. |
| 1:37.9 | Well, hey, everybody. |
| 1:39.7 | Hi, listeners. |
| 1:40.9 | Thanks for joining us for another episode. |
| 1:44.1 | A few weeks ago, I guess it was a month ago now, |
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