Why a Life of Penance? Why do People Do It?

[JReducation]

Can penance also apply to uniting yourself with the suffering of others besides Christ.

Today I was standing in the rain, waiting for the bus, feeling EXTREMELY annoyed. Then I thought of this thread. Yes, I think of CAF.

I thought of how blessed I should feel that we have rain and how there are some countries that experience very long periods of drought. So I chose to unite myself spiritually with the suffering of those people.

What a difference that made.

So is that a form of penance?

I can’t imagine a penance that does not give birth to great charity. What you did was take an uncomfortable situation and you turned into into solidarity with those who suffer from the lack of rain. Good grief, St. Francis must be tap dancing in heaven.

If you believe in Jesus, there is no way that you cannot unite your penance with the suffering of others. That’s what Jesus did on the cross. He drew our suffering onto himself. What a great example of penance and love. That’s what you did. That’s perfect joy!

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[Imogen123]

I know you asked those who live a life of penance by choice, but there are many people whose lives because of circumstances created unintentionally by themselves or others. An example would be someone whose past sins, such as drug and alcohol abuse impairs their ability to live a normal life, one way or another. Maybe they do not complain, but offer their infirmities in the replacement of their old life.
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This type of situation is a perfect example of why God allows evil to take greater good of him! These souls are suffering can be very happy in a life of sacrifice, because they know their mistakes of the past was the vehicle God has chosen (allowed) to carry the cross, and thus to salvation. And they might even offer their sufferings for those who are incarcerated in the same sins they have committed.

 

[TrueLight]

I recently had a conversation about small penances. I have been working on temperance when it comes to food by eating, basic, bland meals for lunch. By eating this kind of lunch, I do penance for all the times I’ve stuffed myself with McDonald’s Angus steak burgers or milkshakes. I am finding this kind of penance makes me appreciate even more the food that God gives me.

That is not to say that I won’t eat rich, fatty foods every now and then, but everything in moderation right?

I want to learn how to deny myself little small things, when I am in difficult situations, I will have the fortitude to handle them.

Are there any small penances you do daily or weekly?

 

[JReducation]

I recently had a conversation about small penances. I have been working on temperance when it comes to food by eating, basic, bland meals for lunch. By eating this kind of lunch, I do penance for all the times I’ve stuffed myself with McDonald’s Angus steak burgers or milkshakes. I am finding this kind of penance makes me appreciate even more the food that God gives me.

That is not to say that I won’t eat rich, fatty foods every now and then, but everything in moderation right?

I want to learn how to deny myself little small things, when I am in difficult situations, I will have the fortitude to handle them.

Are there any small penances you do daily or weekly?

Reading some posts on CAF without rendering my garments and tearing out my hair.

Having said that . . . not complaining about everything. Just keep my mouth shut.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[TrueLight]

Reading some posts on CAF without rendering my garments and tearing out my hair.

Having said that . . . not complaining about everything. Just keep my mouth shut.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

So now you need to do penance for speaking of that penance.

 

[JReducation]

So now you need to do penance for speaking of that penance.

You’re as bad as Eve and I’m as dumb as Adam.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

 

[TrueLight]

You’re as bad as Eve and I’m as dumb as Adam.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF

Ha ha ha.

 

[rainbow1]

I recently had a conversation about small penances. I have been working on temperance when it comes to food by eating, basic, bland meals for lunch. By eating this kind of lunch, I do penance for all the times I’ve stuffed myself with McDonald’s Angus steak burgers or milkshakes. I am finding this kind of penance makes me appreciate even more the food that God gives me.

That is not to say that I won’t eat rich, fatty foods every now and then, but everything in moderation right?

I want to learn how to deny myself little small things, when I am in difficult situations, I will have the fortitude to handle them.

Are there any small penances you do daily or weekly?

I am trying not to go get a milkshake…lol…
More seriously, I pray for the Light and Love of our Lord to go to my ex whenever I hear an ambulance or siren…
(I guess I have to make my own category for bad and dumb… )

 

[TrueLight]

Some of us are confused in another thread, myself included, about the difference between Penance and Mortification and since this thread has some gems by Brother JR, I thought it would be good to review it.