St. Thomas Aquinas instructs that in aspects vital to our existence, God links significant delights so that we do not overlook these concerns. Take food, for instance. Clearly, consuming food is crucial for survival, and as we are aware, immense joys are tied to it regarding the food itself and the companionship often related. This enjoyment aids in making sure that we do not fail to eat, thereby preserving our health and life. The same holds true for sexual intercourse. St. Thomas teaches:

“Nature has incorporated enjoyment into the activities that are essential for human existence. … Thus, if someone were to dismiss pleasure to the point of disregarding actions vital for the preservation of nature, they would be committing a wrongdoing, as it would be contrary to the natural order. This is related to [what is referred to as] the flaw of insensitivity.”Summa Theologiae, Query 142, Section 1).

“Insensibility” represents a flaw that opposes the virtue of temperance through excess (as opposed to deficiency). Although temperance is a vital virtue that assists us in regulating various aspects, we must avoid over-moderating them to a point where it jeopardizes our well-being or existence, or the continuation of humanity.

It is important to avoid the pleasures associated with illegal and immoral sexual relationships. However, within a valid marriage, enjoyment should not be completely rejected as this is unsuitable and unrealistic for the couple, who play a crucial role in the healthy continuation of the human family. (See Summa Theologiae, Question 142, Article 1, Response to Objection 3.)

Nevertheless, for certain individuals, it is appropriate to avoid the delights of sexual closeness due to their selected way of life that upholds enduring virginity or celibacy. Thus, St. Thomas states:

“For this reason, it is praiseworthy for individuals who commit themselves to reflection, and to sharing with others a spiritual benefit (through a sort of spiritual generation, so to speak), to refrain from numerous pleasures. However, this does not apply to those who are obligated to physical work and physical reproduction.”Summa Theologiae, Question 142, Article 1, Response to Objection 2).

It should be noted that pursuing sexual pleasure solely for its own purpose, excluding procreation (through artificial contraception), is considered sinful. God has connected pleasure and procreation, and we should not divide what God has united. The pleasure is intended to lead individuals towards holiness. marriage and the union through intimacy should happen frequently enough to guarantee procreation. This bond is designed by God, although not every instance of marital intimacy necessarily results in fertility. The connection meant by God should not be interrupted by chemicals, barriers, or unnatural sexual practices.

Reading the Gospel

Question: Only deacons or priests are permitted to proclaim the Gospel during Mass. So, why are lay readers allowed to read the Passion on Palm Sunday? They also lead into the Gospel and wrap it up. The priest merely stands by and listens as well. Is this a liturgical misconduct that needs to be addressed?

— Justin Plan, via email

Answer: Such an activity is allowed on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. The Roman Missal states, “The account of the Lord’s Passion is proclaimed without candles and incense, without any greeting or signing of the book. It is proclaimed by a deacon or, in the absence of a deacon, by a priest. Additionally, it may be recited by readers, with the section of Christ ideally reserved for a priest.” Nonetheless, it is evident that the priest should not merely remain passive but, when feasible, assume the role of Jesus.

Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.