[Texas_shutterbug]

How about like - two normal heterosexuals want to have sex but abstain because they aren't supposed to - like an engaged couple, for instance.

Are you saying that if Joseph wanted to have sex with Mary that was a disordered desire? I DO NOT believe that!

[adiaireton8]

Disordered desires are those that are not perfectly in agreement with the dictates of right reason. So the sexual desire for intercourse, when it is not the right time, the right place, the right person, the right manner, the right relationship, etc. is a disordered desire.

Joseph perceived that Mary was a holy vessel, consecrated unto God. And so he did not allow himself to desire sexual relations with her. He was of such a virtuous constitution that this was not a cause of stumbling for him. It is also for this reason, as I explained above, that Mary did no injustice to Joseph by not engaging in sexual relations with him.

-A8