Q. My husband and I recently got married in the church. We are an older couple with grown children. We love each other very much. I get confused on exactly what we are permitted to experience as a married couple who can no longer have children. What I have read about this subject is very broad. Can you give me your insight on this subject?

A. Well, on the broadest of levels you are invited to experience the full beauty and meaning of marital union as God intended it. It says in the book of Genesis, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body” (Genesis 2:24).

The union of husband and wife is a glorious mystery and is an actual sharing in the union of the life of the Trinity. We are made for unity and husband and wife share in this unity in a very unique and profound way.  First, they share in this unity through their unconditional vows of love which reflect the unconditional love of God.  The spiritual bond established between couples is indissoluble.  This union is lived and expressed in many ways.  Or course, one of those ways for married couples is sexual love.

It seems that the heart of your question is about this expression of sexual love and what is appropriate and in keeping with the intention of God for marriage.  Let’s look at your question from two points of view.

First, you mention that you are past childbearing years.  This fact does not change what is “permitted” by God in regards to sexual relations.  Those who are of childbearing years do need to live in accord with the moral and natural teachings of our Church regarding openness to life. To be continued…