Understanding the Language of the Body and the Marital Commitment

The body has a language inscribed by God, signifying a free, total, faithful, and fruitful commitment, as expressed in marital vows. Nonmarital sexual behavior is a training ground for bringing nonmarital habits into marriage, without a sudden transformation on the wedding night. The commitment of marriage is meant to be expressed bodily every time a husband and a wife become one flesh, renewing their marital commitment. Fidelity to the wedding vows and the marital commitment is emphasized as a key element for a healthy marriage, with sexual intercourse holding a distinct marital meaning. Getting married is an absolute prerequisite for expressing a marital meaning through sexual intercourse.