Serious problem about mortification

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Good morning.
I have many questions about mortification. Please help me telling what you know.
I have heard about many saints that used to practice a very hard mortification. But, are we supposed to do like them? If not, what could be a good mortification for a 19years old as me? Is prayer with simple life enough? I’m underweight and I cannot give up with food cause I may suffer severe health problems. Please tell me what you think.
 
BoCat said:
Good morning.
I have many questions about mortification. Please help me telling what you know.
I have heard about many saints that used to practice a very hard mortification. But, are we supposed to do like them? If not, what could be a good mortification for a 19years old as me? Is prayer with simple life enough? I’m underweight and I cannot give up with food cause I may suffer severe health problems. Please tell me what you think.
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For me, it’s mortifying my self indulgence.
Not eating after supper is a big one. I like to sit and watch TV, and eat a big ol bag a chips and half a container of dip. And have two beers. Not one, not three. Two.

And in the middle of the night I regret it. And then I get up late and can’t serve others well. So I mortify that desire to indulge at night, and I do it by focusing on others. I also over indulge on the internet. Everyone has their pet indulgences.

That is the point of mortification: love. ( I am about 70% successful with this…it ain’t easy)

How can you give others a glass of water if your glass is empty? Mortification fills the glass.
 
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BoCat said:
I have heard about many saints that used to practice a very hard mortification. But, are we supposed to do like them?
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No. If you wanted to do that stuff you should, at minimum, be under the guidance of a spiritual director. The Church has concerns about “hard mortifications” nowadays because they realize there are physical and psychological risks in people doing them. The Church didn’t have this knowledge back when many of those saints were self-mortifying, and also, many of those saints were under the guidance of a spiritual director, such as in a monastery, when they were flogging themselves or whatever.
If not, what could be a good mortification for a 19years old as me? Is prayer with simple life enough?
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That sounds fine. Also practice charity and keep God’s commandments.
 
Do not deny your body nutritious food, the rest/sleep you need, etc. Your body is still maturing and growing at 19.
 
One of the things I do is to abstain from meat on Fridays all year long. This is normally not a health risk as one day a week will not adversely affect people with normal health and even so there are other forms of protein (beans for one) than meat. And it is traditional.

Patrick
AMDG
 
BoCat said:
I have heard about many saints that used to practice a very hard mortification. But, are we supposed to do like them?
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Generally, no. If one were going to practice any form of physical mortification, I would strongly strongly strongly recommend only doing so under the guidance of an experienced spiritual director.
 
BoCat said:
I have heard about many saints that used to practice a very hard mortification.
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Many of those Saints also lived centuries ago when running water and many common things we have today were luxuries. Sleeping on the floor is not really much of a penance when you already do that every night. Those with harsh lives then took on harsher penances.
 
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Mortification is not properly understood. The “very hard” mortification you refer to of many saints are very likely, almost 100% positive, not for you. If it was, you would know it, because a spiritual director would have already recommended to you. And that is highly unlikely, because those types of mortification are for those who are well on their way to holiness. Not impossible for a 19 year old, but if you are asking, its not for you.
However, you are well on your way to understanding what mortification is all about. Yes, giving up food is an example, but if it is a health risk there are lots of other things you can do. Exercise can be an example. Self-denial of things like a favorite TV show is a good way to start. Lots of ways to practice mortification in a good and healthy way and grow in the faith.
 
St. Faustina used to have what she called her little mortifications like praying the Divine mercy chaplet or the Rory with her arms outstretched.

I’ve done that for the chaplet and thought I was holding up bricks on my arms, no way could I do it for the duration of the Rosary.
 
ONLY under the advice of a trained, official Spiritual Director should one do serious mortifications.

Stick with Lenten penance, we find it hard enough to give up candy or sodas for 6 weeks! Try skipping meat on Fridays, it is difficult! Getting up 30 minutes early to pray/read Scripture.
 
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BoCat said:
I cannot give up with food cause I may suffer severe health problems.
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You could give up a favorite type of food And eat something that isn’t as tasty but still has the necessary nutrients or give up some activity you like to do for a while.
 
Mortification is only appropriate while under the care of a Spiritual Director.

Why don’t you set that as a goal for Lent? Interview several spiritual directors and find one you like. Over time you can discuss these matters with them.

I will pray for a holy director to encounter your search.
Deacon Christopher
 
BoCat said:
I’m underweight and I cannot give up with food cause I may suffer severe health problems.
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DM me if you want some help finding resources and approaches to help with this. I’ve helped some skinny folks “fill out” a bit.
 
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