Should I think of Mary when I kiss my wife? What's the difference between repressing something and the self-discipline? What books on TOB should I recommend to my young-adult daughters?

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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Q1: Last November, a priest suggested me to intensify my love to our Mother Blessed Virgin Mary. The idea that came up to my mind is: each time I kiss my wife, consider that I am kissing Mary, and receive her kisses like Saint Joseph. It really works but sometimes I feel kind of embarrassed, and I am not sure if this idea is good or not.

Q2: I don't understand the difference between repressing something and the self-discipline which our faith encourages us to practice. Can you please explain? Thank you both immensely for the show!

Q3: I have two daughters, age 22 and 24, who both have boyfriends. I was recently introduced to TOB and find that had I known certain truths, my marriage may not have suffered the way it did. I'm wondering which book of yours would be best for me to give them. You are truly gifted & blessed with the TOB knowledge and I am interested to get to know more myself.

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Resources mentioned this week:

The Anti-Mary Exposed: Rescuing the Culture from Toxic Femininity by Carrie Gress, PhD

A Meditation on Givenness by Pope John Paul II

Good News about Sex & Marriage

Theology of the Body for Beginners

The Cry of the Heart

Theology of the Body Institute Course Schedule

If you are in financial need and honestly cannot afford a book or resource recomended on this podcast, contact: [email protected]

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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.