definition

[Michael19682]

How would anyone understand the definition of terms such as:

“mortification of the body” and “psychological mortification”. Any reference links you could provide would assist me with helping someone who researches solutions and history for a certain class of people with illness.

?

Thank you in advance, especially for references circa 1950’s.

 

[rom422]

How would anyone understand the definition of terms such as:

“mortification of the body” and “psychological mortification”. Any reference links you could provide would assist me with helping someone who researches solutions and history for a certain class of people with illness.

?

Thank you in advance, especially for references circa 1950’s.

I think that “mortification of the body” refers to the acts we use to discipline or train our body, so that our body can be more obedient and responsive to the dictates of reason and faith. Examples of bodily mortification are fasting and abstinence. There are more severe bodily mortifications that were also used in the past, such as flagellation, which have now become less common.

“Psychological mortification” (also sometimes referred to as “mental” or “spiritual mortification” refers to acts aimed to discipline or train the will, so that our heart and desires can be more aligned with the promptings of grace and God’s Will. Examples of spiritual mortification are the practice of the virtues, particularly the virtue of obedience, by which we do - not what we want - but what our parents want, or what the Church wants.

These are just the way I understand these terms. The Catholic Encyclopedia has a short article on mortification.

newadvent.org/cathen/10578b.htm

But if you are looking for old references, here is one I found in the Internet: fscdena.org/pdfs/history/2011/december/LasallianSpiritofFaith.pdf

 

[Michael19682]

It is very generous of you to take the time to do this research. I pray the truth you share via this response is taken well and put to helpful use by the researcher. I have learned much from the source(s), which I am still reading. I also enjoyed and found corresponding ideas in my own thinking reflected in your personal words. Thank you and God Bless.