Rachel Evans
Mortification is a practice in Catholicism that involves the voluntary actions by which we gradually 'put to death' all of our vices, sinful habits, and the self-centered tendencies that lurk beneath them. It is a way to unite oneself with God and other Catholics, as well as to prepare oneself for a relationship with Christ. Mortification is also seen as a way to discipline and purify oneself, resist temptation, and focus on the spirit rather than the flesh. This can be achieved through various means, including fasting, self-flagellation, and denying oneself certain pleasures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To unite with God, overcome human weakness, and achieve holiness |
| Biblical Basis | 2 Samuel, Luke 9:23, 1 Corinthians 9, Romans 5:3-5, Hebrews 12:11, Romans 7:15-24 |
| Saints' Practices | Sleeping on the floor, wearing uncomfortable clothing, fasting, self-flagellation, etc. |
| Methods | Fasting, self-denial, sacrifice, prayer, discipline, resisting temptation |
| Physical Harm | Controversial, but some believe it is acceptable when supervised |
Explore related products
![Penance [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/9124QiLFTCL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Self-harm should be supervised
The Church has stated that more extreme forms of self-harm, such as cutting or whipping, should only be done under the supervision of someone who is properly trained. This is because mortification can be dangerous if taken to extremes, and it is important to ensure that it is practiced in a safe and controlled manner.
Supervision can also help to ensure that the individual is not causing unnecessary harm to themselves and that the mortification is effective in achieving its intended purpose. For example, St. Benedict threw himself into a thorn bush to overcome temptation, an act that was understood by the Church as demonstrating the seriousness of sin to him. However, this extreme act of self-harm may not be necessary for everyone, and supervision can help individuals find alternative methods of mortification that are better suited to their needs and spiritual goals.
Additionally, supervision can provide a sense of accountability and support for individuals practicing mortification. It can be difficult to maintain discipline and commitment to the practice, and having someone to guide and encourage them can help individuals stay on track with their spiritual goals.
Finally, supervision can help ensure that mortification is practiced in a way that is respectful and reverent. As mortification is an ancient and sacred part of the Catholic faith, it is important that it is practiced with the proper mindset and intention. Supervision can help individuals maintain the necessary focus and dedication to the spiritual aspect of mortification, rather than treating it as a purely physical act.
Marian and Catholic: Can You Be Both?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Penance [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rQWXSMFZL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Fasting and abstinence
The law of abstinence requires Catholics aged 14 and above to abstain from eating meat on Fridays in honour of the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday. This includes the flesh and organs of mammals and fowl, as well as soups or gravies made from them. Catholics are permitted to eat fish, amphibians, reptiles, shellfish, and animal-derived products such as margarine and gelatin. On Fridays outside of Lent, Catholics in the US are allowed to substitute a penitential or charitable practice of their choice.
The law of fasting requires Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59 to reduce their food intake. This entails eating one full meal and two smaller meals that do not exceed the quantity of the main meal when combined. Fasting is obligatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Drinks that could be considered food, such as milkshakes, break the fast. While alcoholic beverages do not break the fast, they are considered contrary to the spirit of penance. Those who are exempt from fasting include the physically or mentally ill, pregnant or nursing women, and manual labourers.
In addition to these minimum requirements, Catholics are encouraged to impose personal penances at other times. This could involve multiplying the number of days they abstain or fast or giving up something enjoyable, such as candy or soft drinks.
Fasting Fridays: Catholic Tradition Explained
You may want to see also
Discipline and purity
Mortification is a necessary practice for Catholics to achieve holiness and purity of soul. It involves the "death" of vices, sinful habits, and self-centered tendencies, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. This can be achieved through various acts of self-denial and discipline, such as fasting, abstaining from pleasures, and resisting temptations.
Fasting and Abstinence
Fasting is a traditional form of mortification, where Catholics give up certain foods or meals during specific seasons like Lent. This practice teaches self-control and helps Catholics focus on their spiritual life.
Self-Denial and Discipline
Mortification is about denying oneself certain pleasures or comforts to focus on the spirit. For example, one might choose not to listen to music during a commute, offering the silence as an act of mortification and using that time for prayer instead. This helps to govern tendencies towards pleasure and self-seeking.
Resisting Temptations
Mortification is also a means to resist temptations and purify oneself from sins. For instance, removing electronic devices and vowing not to indulge in addictive behaviours can be a form of flesh-denial, helping one to master their desires.
Corporal Austerities
Practices such as wearing uncomfortable clothing or sleeping on the floor are forms of corporal austerities, or physical hardships, that some saints have employed to tame their flesh and resist temptations. These acts of self-discipline can help one focus on spiritual growth.
Penance
Offering one's own suffering or illness as penance for sins is another way to practice mortification. By uniting one's pain with the suffering of Christ, Catholics can find meaning in their struggles and draw closer to God.
Through these acts of discipline and self-denial, Catholics can strive for purity of soul, uprooting sinful habits, and uniting themselves more closely with God.
Salvation Requirements: Catholic Church's Essential Guide
You may want to see also
Temptation and addiction
Understanding Temptation
St. Francis de Sales provides valuable insight into understanding temptation and how to resist it. He identifies three steps in the process: the proposal of sin, our initial reaction of pleasure or displeasure, and finally, our consent or rejection. It is crucial to recognize that even taking pleasure in contemplating a temptation before rejecting it can be dangerous and damaging. Therefore, immediate rejection of both the pleasure and the temptation is essential.
Avoiding Temptation
Avoiding situations that lead to temptation is a critical aspect of resisting it. This involves honesty and foresight. Being honest about the circumstances that lead to temptation and having the foresight to recognize and avoid those situations are vital. It is also important to remember that voluntarily placing oneself in situations of pleasurable temptation may be sinful, even if there is no intention to act on it.
Prayer and Spiritual Practices
Prayers, such as the Rosary, and a dedicated prayer life are essential tools in resisting temptation. Additionally, mortification, or voluntary self-denial, is a practice encouraged during Lent and other penitential seasons in the liturgical year. This can involve fasting or denying oneself certain pleasures to strengthen spiritual discipline and resist destructive tendencies.
Building Resistance
Resisting temptation is a means of spiritual growth. Each time we overcome a temptation, we grow stronger in our determination to resist future ones. God delights in our efforts to resist, and this can propel us towards a deeper union with Him. It is important to remember that even great saints, like the apostle Paul and Francis of Assisi, had to battle violent temptations throughout their lives.
Support and Accountability
Seeking support and accountability can be beneficial in overcoming addiction and temptation. This could involve joining support groups, such as the Exodus 90 Challenge, or reaching out to spiritual communities and ministries, like "Children of the Immaculate Heart," to help combat specific temptations, such as pornography.
Remember, the journey towards spiritual growth and overcoming addiction is a gradual process that requires persistence and dedication.
The Catholic Reformation: How Did It Begin?
You may want to see also
Self-mastery and self-denial
The root word for "mortification" comes from the Latin "mors" and "mortis", translating as "death". In the spiritual context, mortification refers to voluntarily putting to death vices, sinful habits, and self-centred tendencies. This can be achieved through various acts of self-denial and self-mastery, such as fasting, abstaining from certain pleasures, or engaging in physical discomfort.
For example, an individual might choose to give up something that annoys their flesh and appetite, such as fasting during Lent, or they might practice self-denial by not listening to the radio during their commute and instead using the time for prayer. These acts of self-mastery help to govern tendencies towards pleasure and self-seeking, taming them so they are fruitful rather than destructive.
More extreme forms of mortification involve physical discomfort or pain. For instance, St. Benedict threw himself into a thorn bush to overcome lustful thoughts, and some individuals practice light whipping to interrupt immediate temptations. While the Church does not encourage self-harm, it acknowledges that these more intense forms of mortification can be done under proper supervision.
Through these acts of self-mastery and self-denial, Catholics strive to unite with God, overcome human weakness, and possess Incarnate Wisdom. Mortification is seen as a way to participate in the Cross of Christ and to carry out his command to take up one's cross daily.
The Right Way to Address Catholic Priests
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mortification is a way to gradually "put to death" all vices, sinful habits, and self-centred tendencies. It is a necessary part of spiritual life and maturity.
Mortification of the flesh is important because it helps Catholics get closer to God. By denying themselves certain pleasures, they learn to govern their tendencies to pleasure and self-seeking.
Catholics mortify the flesh through fasting, self-flagellation, and other forms of self-denial and self-sacrifice. Some examples include St. Benedict throwing himself into a thorn bush to overcome temptation, and Philip Neri wearing hot, itchy shirts made of horse hair.
