Physical Penece

[SacredHeartFan]

Does anyone here still practice physical penece? Like I know that they used to wear horse hair jackets and pants and those little things that they would wrap around thier calves or arms. (wayyyy to exagerated in The Davinci Code) Anyone? Anyone? Buller?

 

[rskempf]

I do not practice this directly. However, after reading St. Therese of Liseaux I look at discomfort a little differently. If I am in a position that is uncomfortable or without air conditioning, I offer it up and think of all the suffering Jesus did for us. I feel peace instead of frustration. Over time, my whole outlook has become a little more positive, in my humble opinion.

By the way, you are correct about the exaggeration in the Da Vinci Code. What rubbish.

 

[SacredHeartFan]

thanks! i’m just looking for more ways to suffer as jesus did. it’s not fair that he had to do all that and sweat his own blood and I get to have comfort every second of my life. thanks!

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Offering up minor discomforts is good. However, I think that major physical penance - horsehair shirts etc, - should not be undertaken except under the guidance of a spiritual director. Extreme penances can easily lead to spiritual pride.

I am a great fan of Therese’s Little Way. Humility, but not enough to become proud of one’s humility.

 

[abucs]

I tend to follow sports teams that turn out to be perrenial losers.
This often causes me a great deal of emotional pain.

Does that count ?

 

[bpbasilphx]

Offering up minor discomforts is good. However, I think that major physical penance - horsehair shirts etc, - should not be undertaken except under the guidance of a spiritual director. Extreme penances can easily lead to spiritual pride.

**]Very well put.

There’s a story about a monk who went to a famous elder to get his blessing to wear chains as a physical penance. The elder said, “Let’s talk about it after we eat.” During the meal, the elder struck his visitor so forcefully he fell out of his chair. The monk arose with angry words on his lips, but the elder did a prostration before him and said, “Forgive me, brother, but if you cannot hold your temper, what good will the chains do you?”**

thanks! i’m just looking for more ways to suffer as jesus did. it’s not fair that he had to do all that and sweat his own blood and I get to have comfort every second of my life.

Christ does not want to give us what is “fair” or “just”–but something INFINITELY better. There is only ONE suffering that can possibly save us.

 

[Genesis315]

Practice fasting and self-denial of other pleasurable experiences or conveniences of life, etc. There is a ton of opportunities for this in everyday life. Of course, on Sundays and Solemnities you should not do this, but rather it is a time for feasting!

As has been pointed out, many saints say corporal mortification is good, but they also say that the more radical versions of it should only be done with spiritual direction–St. Francis de Sales even says they should not be done by lay people since lay people need to use their strength and energy caring for the families, working in the world, etc.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I tend to follow sports teams that turn out to be perrenial losers.
This often causes me a great deal of emotional pain.

Does that count ?

My former pastor was a fan of the Raiders when they were in LA. When we criticized him for missing a Monday night meeting to watch the game he claimed it was penance.

 

[abucs]

My former pastor was a fan of the Raiders when they were in LA. When we criticized him for missing a Monday night meeting to watch the game he claimed it was penance.

My priest, from the pulpit, jokingly talks about the parting of the Red Sea and the possibility of the local football team having a good year in the same vain.