Must he reverse the vasectomy?, Consummation of Mary’s marriage, and Loving a friend with SSA without compromise | ACW373

Must he reverse the vasectomy?, Consummation of Mary’s marriage, and Loving a friend with SSA without compromise | ACW373

From Ask Christopher West by Theology of the Body Institute

February 23, 2026 · 55 min · Episode 373

About this episode

This episode discusses the implications of a vasectomy reversal for marriage validity, the nature of Mary's marriage to Joseph, and how to support a friend experiencing same-sex attraction while maintaining personal beliefs.

–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…

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