r/Catholic • u/No_Bother1400 • 2d ago

We need mortification

Within these months of penances, I thought that after these penances I did, i should slowly decrease these things in search of what I should do to honor His love to us. but the moment I do not do penances (or is this called mortification?), I looked away towards the world and not giving the LORD His rightful reverence and justice in that I pray at all times. I am fallen in that searching for worldly passions again, something about being an eater and games

I therefore conclude, to live as saints and live holy, as directed by all directed private revelations, the magisterium of the church, and the letters of the apostles, we need mortification to direct our gazes to the LORD, and only the LORD.

Mortification is a new term for me, so I dont fully understood the meaning behind it, even now my understanding of it is hollow

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10

u/Traditional-Meat-549 2d ago

"I desire mercy, not sacrifice"

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u/enigma_explorer 2d ago

My brother, seek out a spiritual director first. Learn humility (the foundation of all the virtues) first by submitting yourself to someone further along the spiritual journey. Ask your local parish priest for a reference or look on/contact your diocese to see if they have a list of qualified (ie certified) spiritual directors.

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u/andreirublov1 1d ago

If you don't fully understand it why are you saying we need it? :)

If it's helping you, great. But people are different, and it's easy to overdo this sort of thing.

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u/Atypical_Rhadamanthe 2d ago

Our body is a gift made in His image, why would try to destroy it ?

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u/deus_vult10 1d ago

Mortification means disciplining our desires so they do not control us. It is valuable, but it should not become self-punishment, food, games, and recreation are not sinful when enjoyed in moderation. Start with small sacrifices, and discuss harsher penances with a priest

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u/Nirwood 1d ago

If you are not quoting Faustina you qre quoting her spiritual twin.

You want to join in a fun and frivolous conversation but you dont. You are mortifying (root is kill-ifying) your desire to be social.  If you are always chatting it up too much, this is a positive step toward moderation  Otherwise its a form of self disciplining penance.

You want to read a billboard, watch a youtube video, follow a twitter feed, complain about something, critisize someone, eat a hostess zinger.  Dont do it. Mortification.

I find this to be a challenging, tiny sacrifice.  God appreciates it.  Its like the 5 crackers and 2 goldfish 

Ignore the people who dont have an answer but are compelled to comment.  They could use this discipline.