Corporal Mortification

[Sayanz]

As for the bloody mortifications of the saints, specifically St. Josemaria:

St. Josemaria Escriva did extraordinary corporal mortifications because he was the founder of Opus Dei, i.e. an extraordinary role that no one else in history is going to perform and needed huge amount of graces to do. However, he taught that sanctity is for everyone so he recommended proportionately doable things for those called to sanctity in ordinary life.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

. . .Also they are told that the best mortification does not mortify others, but in fact makes life pleasant for others and serves others through excellent work. And the sacrifice should usually go unnoticed by the others since it is offered only to please God.

Great points!

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Some one mentioned that fasting was corporal mortification.

I don’t believe it is. Corporal mortification, is self inflicted pain. Fasting, is a deprivation, but not painful.

I can’t an answer linking the two. There seems to be a distinction between Mortification,(Fasting) and Corporal Mortification, self-inflicted pain(self flagellation).

Jim

 

[Pious_Mat]

Some one mentioned that fasting was corporal mortification.

I don’t believe it is. Corporal mortification, is self inflicted pain. Fasting, is a deprivation, but not painful.

I can’t an answer linking the two. There seems to be a distinction between Mortification,(Fasting) and Corporal Mortification, self-inflicted pain(self flagellation).

Jim

In the most general sense, a mortification is anything that is unplesant done to strengthen one’s relationship with God. I certainly think that not eating an nice juicy steak on Friday after a long week, or going to bed without really being full, is unpleasant. Corporal refers to the body, and food certainly affects the body.

Something that is not being mentioned enough here is the aspect of humility that most mortification brings. This is the whole idea behind the “sackcloth and ashes” thing. It was humilitating. St. John Vianney knew this well, and other prescribed embarassing penances for those who confess to him. Many non-Catholics see this as the Cure d’Ars showboating, but I think this genuinely did a lot of people good. Less of me, more of Him, as we say, and as Earthly beings, and in many cases that only hits home when something physical confirms it.

As was said before, little things do good, and often, the simplest sacrifice or submission does a wonder of good.

Just my thoughts on the matter,

Mat.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Some one mentioned that fasting was corporal mortification.

I don’t believe it is. Corporal mortification, is self inflicted pain. Fasting, is a deprivation, but not painful.

I can’t an answer linking the two. There seems to be a distinction between Mortification,(Fasting) and Corporal Mortification, self-inflicted pain(self flagellation).

Jim

. . 2corporal . . .Function: adjective . . 1obsolete : corporeal physical2**:** of, relating to, or affecting the body <corporal punishment> .

mortification . . .
Main Entry: mor·ti·fi·ca·tion m-w.com/images/audio.gif Pronunciation: \ˌmȯr-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ Function: noun Date: 14th century 1**:** the subjection and denial of bodily passions and appetites by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort . . .

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Joe_Kelley:
Same thing, only different.

Jim

 

[drafdog]

The last time I looked, the Catholic Church did not approve of the private use of self flagilation. It is always done as part of community spiritual exercise so that no one goes overboard. Some of the things cited are reasons for not doing it privately.
For private self denial stick to fasting and prayer.

Matthew