Ask Christopher West

How can I pursue Theology of the Body when my husband isn't on board? Will we still be male and female after the resurrection of the body? Is marriage worth fighting for? 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. Get a copy of God Is Beauty, A Retreat on the Gospel and Art by Karoly Wojtyla/John Paul II. Available now for the first time in English. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Question: While I was baptized Catholic and received the Sacraments, I was not raised in a family that practiced the faith. I’m a married mother of 3 children but felt that something was missing in my life. I had a profound conversion while attending a Cursillo weekend 3 years ago. Since then, my husband has grown further and further away from me because he says, "I have changed." We have tried 4 different marriage therapists, the last 2 being Catholic (one was from Dr. Popcak's group), but when it comes to him making changes and really putting in effort he quits going and says he doesn't need to change anything. If I go to him and tell him I want to pursue not only learning Theology of the Body but also living it out in our marriage, it may be the last straw for him. So my question is, how can I pursue this without him on board? How can I teach this to my children if they don't see it at work in their own home? Question 2: In a recent conversation about the resurrection of the body, a friend of mine told me that she doesn't believe our resurrected bodies will be male or female in heaven. Her reasoning is that, because the Bible says we are neither "married nor given in marriage" in heaven, then the sexual difference is no longer necessary in eternity. Also, since we're made in the image of God (who is pure spirit and therefore neither male nor female), she thinks that our glorified bodies will more "perfectly" image God by becoming gender neutral. In light of St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, what is the proper response to my friend's ideas? Does the Catholic Church have any official teaching on this, and if so, is there anything in the Catechism or the Bible about it? Qestion 3: Thank you so much for your podcast. My husband is suffering from a mental health issue and lately it has made our lives difficult. I have never had any issue with fidelity in the past but the last months it has become a daily inner-fight. Could you please remind me what I am fighting for? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

What resources would you recommend for women longing to be married who cannot find a man? What are some good reasons to stop having kids? What is the best way to help a friend who is repeatedly falling into sexual sin? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Comment Hi! This is actually not a question, rather I just want to tell you how much I appreciate the work that you do. And I just want to share that I am so happy to be a part of this community. I’ve been watching your YouTube channel and listening to your podcast for months now. And this month I have finally become a Patron! This is actually my birthday gift to myself :) God is so amazing; He provided me resources to be able to pay for the subscription. God bless you Christopher and Wendy and the whole team behind this community. Patron Question: Dear Christopher and Wendy, A situation I often face in my ministry is that of a woman wishing to get married and have a family, but not finding a man. I’ll see this person as years pass and realize how far away I am, as a man, from really understanding the depths of this suffering; that these women are somehow facing a countdown. I’m actually hoping you can recommend some Theology of the Body resources for a woman in such a situation. Any suggestions? Question 2: I am discerning marriage with a strong Catholic woman, and we are trying to be really practical with our conversations about children. I have always been so moved by the call to be fruitful in marriage. I find it so close to the heart of God and how he wants to teach us about his creative love. It’s really hard for me to consider anything other than continuing to try over the course of our marriage, every couple years, until menopause. She is more specific in her thinking than I am, and anticipates that between her body and capacity to love her kids and spouse, she really doesn’t expect to be able to handle more than 4 (which is reasonable, she’s 31 years old). I know we can’t predict if we will even be able to have kids, but there is something that just doesn’t sit right with me about projecting limits. I honestly believe that we can pull off whatever we need to financially, and I want to lay down my life down for her and as many kids come our way. It makes me sad to anticipate that putting her needs above my own might include stopping having kids when we could have more. I don’t know how I could ask my wife to throw out her back or have more kids if I’m really laying my life down for her, but I’m so moved by the thought of continual openness to sacrifice to have more children, in love. Perhaps the question is, what are some good reasons to stop having kids? Qestion 3: Hi Christopher and Wendy! I want to briefly say thank you to Wendy, for extending your motherly warmth and compassion to all of us during this podcast, it has been so healing for me. My question is, how do you help a friend who was raised Catholic and intellectually knows the church’s teachings and even desires to live them and be in relationship with the Lord. . . how do I help them when they keep falling into sexual sin, go to confession, and continue to fall in the same way? I don’t know how to best lead them to the merciful love of the Father. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: National Catholic Singles Conference Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West Freedom Coaching View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

Did the Holocaust influence St. John Paul II's writing? My parents are on the brink of divorce because of my father's pornography addiction. . . what can I do? Why did God make me this way if He knew I would hate it so much? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Question: I am a college student taking a class on the Holocaust, and I have been struck not only by the horror of the atrocities against human life but also the overall idea of personhood specifically in the forced sterilizations of the so- called "feeble minded." There was a book written in 1920 called "Allowing the Destruction of Life Unworthy of Life." Just that title breaks my heart. I can see how Theology of the Body speaks so much into this topic, and I am wondering if the events of the Jolocaust and eugenics movement had any impact on Pope John Paul II. I know he played a role in healing after WWII, but is there anything in his writings that would suggest the holocaust might have played a role in his talks on the Theology of the Body? Question 2: This is urgent. My parents have been married for 32 years and just recently my dad finally told my mom that he has had a porn addiction and has been masturbating for over 20 years. His admission has set off a huge destructive bomb in their relationship. My dad went to confession and they had the priest from our hometown come over and meet with both of them. My dad is going to be getting counseling but at this point, I still really do not know what is going to happen. I am so deeply worried and concerned that my parents are going to get a divorce. My mom says she doesn't know if she can ever recover from this damage. I know I cannot do anything about it other than pray because this is not really my issue. It is greatly impacting me, though. Despite what my dad has done, I still love him. I want to offer him mercy because he seems like he wants to get help to overcome his addiction now. I gave my dad a couple books to read. One of them was your book "Theology of the Body for Beginners" and the other one was the 33 day consecration to St. Joseph written by Fr. Calloway. I want to believe that my dad can find healing and recovery from his addictions. Is there any way that you can help me? I am 23 years old and I am so hurt by this and I have no idea what to do. Qestion 3: I have hated my body for about half of my life now. No matter how hard I try, I can’t get over the idea that I need to be stick-skinny or else I’m ugly. I wish desperately I could see myself how God sees me. I just don’t know why He made me like this if He knew I would hate it so much. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Join us on our Pilgrimage to Mexico December 2-7, 2021 Hope's Garden Ministry Freedom Coaching View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

How do we ensure our marital embrace is still open to the Holy Spirit if conception is not possible? Do you have any recommendations for healing from father wounds? How can my fiance and I prepare for a marriage free from lust? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Question: Dear Christopher and Wendy, God bless you. I am writing to you from Colombia in South America. My wife Marta and I proudly belong to the first TOB1 online class. What a blessing for our Christian and married life. We have already registered, as a refreshment, for the coming TOB1 online course in October. We strongly encourage those all and new podcast listeners to take part in the course. This beautiful truth about what it means to be human and how to live our lives in a way that we experience true happiness is what our spirits and our hearts need to hear. Now to my question. Marta and I have been married over 26 years and since the beginning of our marriage we did NFP. We have two children ages 24 and 23. We also had a loss 22 years ago and after that Marta´s womb needed to be removed for health reasons. Since in our marital embrace we have no more the ability to give life, how can we be sure every time we are together that we still have fully communion with the Trinity and that we are not putting aside the Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life? Question 2: Our oldest son who is 26 has recently admitted he struggles with depression. He lives in another state so we don’t get to see each other very often but we do talk regularly. He is not practicing the Catholic faith and he has deep father wounds. My husband, in the last few years, has been actively dealing with his porn addiction and his own father wounds and has come very far in his recovery journey. This has helped our marriage immensely. But the fallout has been with our seven children. They all have been affected to varying degrees by their father’s very rigid and sometimes harsh behavior while growing up. Can you recommend some suggestions for helping our oldest son deal with these issues? Qestion 3: Hello Christopher and Wendy. My fiancé and I have been growing more and more in love with the Theology of the Body both through this podcast and our own personal reading. I come from a background that looks very negatively on sex and so I have always lived on the "starvation diet" believing that I was practicing chastity. My fiancé on the other hand has struggled with porn for much of his life. Praise be to God, he has found freedom in that area within the last year after a four-year long fight against it. However, after being on the "fast food" diet for so long, he has now gone to the other extreme in order to avoid the temptations that could arise. My question then, is this: how can we both overcome our intense fears of lust and set our desires free in order to partake of the banquet? I don't ever want to put myself in a position where I could hurt him through lust. How can we overcome this obstacle? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

How should a woman deal with feelings of attraction to a priest? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Question: How should a woman deal with feelings of attraction to a priest? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

How do I process and release feelings of resentment about my fiance's sexual past? How can I help my husband who does not agree with the Church's teaching on chastity in marriage? 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. Pre-Order God Is Beauty by Saint John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla)! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Question: Hello Christopher and Wendy, thank you both for all the work you do. Your ministry is truly amazing! My question is this: How do I process and release feelings of resentment about my fiance's sexual past? I am ashamed that I feel so upset about something that happened before we even met each other, especially because, for many years now, he's been a beautiful example of virtue and selflessness. I know I need to let this go, but I just can't release these feelings of self-consciousness, pain, and betrayal when I think about how I waited for him, but he didn't wait for me. Please help. Question 2: Thank you so much for your beautiful insight into marriage, NFP, and Theology of the Body. My husband and I are practicing Catholics, married in the church. We have 4 beautiful children here on earth and 4 children that we miscarried waiting in Heaven. We are reluctantly practicing NFP. I say reluctantly because my husband does not fully agree with the churches teachings on NFP and Chastity within marriage. He does not understand why (when we have decided that more children are not a good idea right now) we can’t be together in other ways during fertile times. I feel like I have exhausted all avenues in trying to help him understand, he is completely closed off to seeking out answers for himself. He seems set in his ways and I know only God can change his heart. My rosary intention every day is that he will accept chastity in marriage. I guess my question is, what can I do in the meantime, without falling into sin, while I’m waiting for his heart to be softened by God. I know he resents me during times of abstaining and during those times it feels as though our marriage is crumbling and not growing. I should also add that I am open to more children, but he feels that we are not ready for more. So to respect that, I feel like I am always having to say no even though I would be willing. Thank you for any advice at all. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Good News about Sex & Marriage View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

Is there such a thing as being a "gay Christian"? What resources do recommend for addressing the issue of homosexuality? Does the age gap matter when it comes to dating? 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. Pre-Order God Is Beauty by Saint John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla)! Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Question: Dear Christopher and Wendy, I've been an avid listener of your exceptional offerings to the body of Christ. God continues to use you in the way I think, believe and trust in Jesus. Thank you! I've come out of a gay identity that defined me for over two decades, which intersected with my marriage. Back in 1995 I confessed to my wife of 7 years that I was unfaithful to her for most of our marriage at that time. My struggle was inward and silent, yet with very destructive and sinful behaviors. After confessing to her I soon began walking the narrow path of healing with the help of Desert Stream/Living Waters. God has done miraculous work in me and my marriage: now 32 years and counting with 4 amazing children. Praise God! I offer this background for context of my question. There is a relatively new movement within the Catholic and Protestant church that offers a place for those struggling with same-sex-attraction to be labeled or identified as "gay Christian celibates." These ones want to follow Jesus and the orthodox teachings on marriage, yet they remain resolute in their belief that they are gay. Can you speak to two things: 1. Is celibacy an avenue to NOT pursue an integrated anthropology rooted in our creation as God's image bearers? What are your thoughts on being a "gay Christian?" Question 2: I have listened to your audiobook on OUR BODIES TELL GOD'S STORY, it's really good. Could you please direct me to some of your material or podcasts that address the current worldview on what I think is misguided reality in discussing sexuality and gender identity. With the books out there like TORN or GOD AND THE GAY CHRISTIAN, they don't even come close to describing how or what God designed our sexuality to be. What can you recommend that addresses these issues? Qestion 3: Hi Christopher and Wendy. First, thank you for the gift of your podcast and insight, the Lord has used you as a platform to speak truth to me. My question is in relation to dating. I am a 27 year old woman and consider myself devoted to the Catholic faith. I recently met a man at my church who, through talking with him, how he speaks of his faith experience and seeing him at daily mass, is also "on fire" for the faith. He is 39 years old. Given our conversations and friendship which is very solidified in our shared devotion to the Lord, I can tell that he is interested in potentially pursuing something more with me beyond just friendship. I have been praying to God for a holy, Catholic man who challenges me personally and in the faith, which I feel this man has done so far as my friend. My only hesitation is the age difference. I don't know if the Lord is calling me to date this person and I worry that my rumination on the age difference of 12 years is clouding my ability to truly discern what the Lord is trying to speak to me. I my biggest concern is what others think, which I know sounds silly and I am praying that the Lord releases me of this anxiety. Could you offer any insight about dating somebody who is this much older ? Does age difference truly matter in dating if both are bringing each other closer to the Lord? Thank you again. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: Pre-Order God Is Beauty by Saint John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla)! Register for Sexual Integration & Redemption offered by Theology of the Body Institute and Desert Stream Check out more from Desert Stream Ministries Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology of the Body by Saint John Paul II Theology of the Body Explained by Christopher West Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West Fill These Hearts by Christopher West View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

I had a very good family growing up – why do I feel so wounded? Are all sexual sins mortal? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Question: I grew up in a relatively good home. I did lose my mother when I was 9-years-old to ovarian cancer which certainly had an impact on my life. But, otherwise, there weren’t any alarming markers of major dysfunction. That being said, I am so hurt and broken. Much of my pain comes from seemingly small childhood wounds and current wounds within my familial relationships. I used to blame it on my sensitivity; that I was hurt too easily. My question is, is it wrong to think that perhaps my pain and woundedness seems more than it ought to be because even a “relatively good home” is still far from what God intends family to be? I was listening to Dr. Bob Schutes talk about wounds and just became overwhelmed at the amount of pain and brokenness even people from good homes may harbor. I would love to hear your thoughts. Question 2: Thank you so much for this podcast and all you do at the Theology of the Body Institute. My question has been troubling my mind and heart for quite some time now. In various Catholic materials I’ve read, for example guides to an examination of conscience, I’ve been told that “every sexual sin” is a mortal sin or at least a grave matter. I can never get a straight answer on whether this statement is theologically accurate. If it’s true, then I fear that each and every sexual union with my spouse, if God calls me to marriage, would be a near occasion of sin instead of an opportunity for grace. I’m worried that if I enter the embrace with even a tiny shred of lust or selfishness I will be committing a mortal sin. Do you have any thoughts or clarifications on the dilemma of mine? If I never get to a state where I am 100% lust free, is it better not to marry at all? Qestion 3: In the Theology of the Body Institute Store, there are some beautiful art pieces by Beth West. Is this Beth your daughter? Could we hear from her what inspired her to paint each of these pieces? As a woman in formation, I am particularly interested in “The Bridegroom in the Garden.” The description of the art piece alone contains a whole lecture of Theology of the Body in it. I would love to know how Beth was inspired and what the process of painting it was like for her. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! Bridegroom in the Garden by Beth West Instagram: @beth_rose_art If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Question: My 4-year-old son asked me if the Blessed Mother died. I didn’t know how to answer that so I asked my husband. He told me that I can choose what to believe because she didn’t have to die but she could choose to die like her son, we only know that she went to sleep. What do you think? Did she die or not? Does she already have her glorified body? Question 2: How should I respond when someone is speaking about their physical attraction to another person? I always feel unequipped to navigate such conversations. I believe there is goodness to be discovered but am often inclined to cut it short. What do you think is going on in me? Qestion 3: Hi Christopher and Wendy! Could you please define eros and agape? I watched Christopher’s video on YouTube where he says that eros is meant to express agape. I also gathered from the video that eros is the desire for unification and that it is meant to change us. Is that correct? But how do you live eros, this desire for unification, when physical unification is not possible? Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: The Two Faces of Love: Eros and Agape View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.

What are your insights on tying in Theology of the Body, the Eucharist and the Assumption of Mary? What advice do you have for grieving a miscarriage? What is meant by, "wives submit to your husbands"? 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. Want to support the Theology of the Body Institute and have a better chance of us answering your question? Join our Patron Community! Patron Question: This year's readings bring us into the Bread of Life discourse, culminating in conjunction with Ephesians 5, the Great Mystery. This year, however, the readings are broken up with the Assumption of Mary. I'm doing teachings on the Eucharist, and plan to bring up the marital component with Ephesians 5. What are your insights on tying in Theology of the Body, the Eucharist and the Assumption of Mary? Question 2: Hi Christopher and Wendy. Recently, my husband and I found out at my 20-week ultrasound that our son has a deformity incompatible with life. I will be carrying him however long he survives in the womb or until my due date, and he will die shortly after. We are devastated as this was our first child and the pregnancy up to this point was perfectly normal. I sometimes feel that we’ll never find true joy again in life when such a sorrowful thing is happening to our family. Any advice at all that can help us grieve and get through this time would be appreciated. Qestion 3: I saw your video about wives submitting to their husbands: to be submissive to his mission. What if your husband is not Catholic? I don’t want to give up my faith for his mission. Please tell me I don’t have to give up the fullness of my faith. Submit your question at AskChristopherWest.com. Resources mentioned this week: View our COURSE SCHEDULE to register for a course, ONLINE or IN-PERSON! If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: michele@tobinstitute.org Find Christopher West on Facebook and Instagram. Discover the Theology of the Body Institute. If you enjoy the podcast, help us out by writing a review. Thanks for listening! Christopher and Wendy hope their advice is helpful to you, but they are not licensed counseling professionals. If you are dealing with serious issues, please consult our list of trusted professionals. Featuring music by Mike Mangione.