Desire for mortification

[JaredR]

Is it unhealthy or masochistic to find pleasure or satisfaction in mortification? Not self-inflicted mortification per se (I know this can be unhealthy), but regular mortification–e.g., not getting our way, being in difficult circumstances.

 

[Whitacre_Girl]

This is all just my own personal opinion, but I think it depends on your definition of pleasure or gratification.

There are some people who pathologically create drama for themselves because they crave the feeling. This is not healthy and destructive to relationships and is kind of a cry for help.

However, to take satisfaction from being in situations that are not optimal and offer them up for your sins, that’s perfectly normal and a good coping mechanism.

 

[Monica4316]

Is it unhealthy or masochistic to find pleasure or satisfaction in mortification? Not self-inflicted mortification per se (I know this can be unhealthy), but regular mortification–e.g., not getting our way, being in difficult circumstances.

I think that is fine, and can definitely be from God (in the case of the Saints) but it can also be a way the devil can tempt a person to pride. If you feel desire for mortification, but also strive for humility, then God can use that desire

 

[puzzleannie]

Is it unhealthy or masochistic to find pleasure or satisfaction in mortification? Not self-inflicted mortification per se (I know this can be unhealthy), but regular mortification–e.g., not getting our way, being in difficult circumstances.

I suppose it could be for some people, that would be a question for a psychologist. In fact the categories of sadist or masochist refer to persons who can only become sexually aroused by such practices, inflicting them or experiencing them as the case may be, but it would take a trained psychiatrist to make such a diagnosis, not a proper topic for armchair (or laptop) diagnosis. If you mean is it wrong to take a general satisfaction in doing good deeds, neither is that necessarily wrong unless it leads to pride or otherwise detracts from the virtues one is trying to perfect. That then would be a question for spiritual direction.

 

[Student09]

Is it unhealthy or masochistic to find pleasure or satisfaction in mortification? Not self-inflicted mortification per se (I know this can be unhealthy), but regular mortification–e.g., not getting our way, being in difficult circumstances.

I don’t think the saints experienced “pleasure or satisfaction” as a result of mortification - joy, yes, but joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We have to make a distinction between natural and supernatural states or feelings. Besides, it depends - if there is pleasure, is it because one is pleased at being able to offer something to God, and is the rejoicing totally directed at God?

I agree with Annie that it’s really a question for a psychologist and/or spiritual director.

 

[Edward_H]

Beyond small mortifications (smiling when you don’t want to, perhaps taking smaller portions of food quietly, getting up faster in the morning, shorter showers,light fasting), I’d talk to your priest/confessor/trained spiritual director about mortification.

Your intent, your need for it, etc. All that has to be sort of lined up right before engaging in any stronger forms of mortification.

Just my opinion.