Can I practice corporal mortification?

[twosweetgirls]

The short story:

I foolishly spent money we didn’t have on a home gym, without reading the fine print regarding returns. After realizing this gym wasn’t for me, I’ve now spent even more to ship it back to the company–and won’t know for at least another week or more if the company’s going to deduct their initial shipping to me, any “re-stocking” fees, or even if they’ll accept it as a valid return (who knows, they might find something minute that would render it “unsalable”, according to them–I have no idea).

The upshot:

This little debacle may end up costing me more than the initial cost monetarily, and has certainly cost me in untold worry and guilt, and cost my marriage a lovely little wedge. I can’t stand how I disappointed my husband by flushing down our hard-earned money. He knows exactly what happened, and is not happy with me at all. I’ve already been to Confession, and have been in tears all day.

The question:

Can I practice a form of corporal mortification whenever I get an attraction to wanting something? Mind you, this isn’t a habit or behavior that needs counseling (like gambling, habitual shopping, hoarding, that kind of thing). It was a big error in judgement, one I will NOT make again; this rotten feeling of having disappointed my husband–I can’t even look at him–is SO NOT worth it. I have a very specific mortification in mind, one that no one can see and that no one but God can see me do. I wish to do this to atone for my fleshly desire for things, and to prevent the near-occasion of sin (foolishly spending, in this case).

Your thoughts?

 

[PerfectTiming]

Be very careful. This is not something that should be taken lightly. You must not undertake this alone, you must consult your priest first to see if such an undertaking would be appropriate. Do not go in saying “I will”, go in saying “Should I” and most importantly** listen to the priests advice and follow it**. To practice corporal mortification without direction is very dangerous, not only physically but spiritually.

To be honest from your post it doesn’t sound like such an undertaking is really necessary or appropriate. You made a mistake, you learnt your lesson, you say you don’t have a problem. So stop beating yourself up about it. Your problem is with your lack of forgiveness for yourself, not anything else.

 

[twosweetgirls]

Be very careful. This is not something that should be taken lightly. You must not undertake this alone, you must consult your priest first to see if such an undertaking would be appropriate. Do not go in saying “I will”, go in saying “Should I” and most importantly** listen to the priests advice and follow it**. To practice corporal mortification without direction is very dangerous, not only physically but spiritually.

To be honest from your post it doesn’t sound like such an undertaking is really necessary or appropriate. You made a mistake, you learnt your lesson, you say you don’t have a problem. So stop beating yourself up about it. Your problem is with your lack of forgiveness for yourself, not anything else.

Thank you, Perfect, for your reply. But I ask: How is practicing corporal mortification dangerous spiritually? I could see how it could be dangerous physically (like bodily injury that might impede or sacrifice one’s health), but isn’t such a practice, when done to rid oneself of tempting inclinations (like mine to satisfy my material greed) a good thing?

 

[JRKH]

Thank you, Perfect, for your reply. But I ask: How is practicing corporal mortification dangerous spiritually? I could see how it could be dangerous physically (like bodily injury that might impede or sacrifice one’s health), but isn’t such a practice, when done to rid oneself of tempting inclinations (like mine to satisfy my material greed) a good thing?

There can be a number of dangers. The physical ones are certainly present. There are also spiritual ones such as taking “Pride” in your “holiness” by doing this or, if it is ineffective in ridding you of your desires, you could “up the ante” (to physical harm) or fall into despair.
There can also be psychological issues that can effect whether this is suitable for a given individual.
The above is just a quick sample of something that can be quite complicated, and that is the reason corporal mortification should never be undertaken unless you aer under spiritual direction with a qualified individual.

Peace
James