The Catholic Church places great emphasis on the practice of mortification as a means to grow in virtue and deepen one’s relationship with God. The term mortification is often tossed around in religious conversations, yet many of us struggle to comprehend its meaning and significance. This article aims to demystify this concept and delve into its various aspects.
What is the Virtue of Mortification?
Mortification, in Catholicism, is a virtue that involves the voluntary offering up of discomfort or pain for the love of God and the reparation of sins. We learn from Father John Hardon’s Modern Catholic Dictionary that mortification is the practice of self-denial intended “to overcome sin and master one’s sinful tendencies,” and that it strengthens the will to live virtuously “and grow in the likeness of Christ.” It is a self-imposed discipline rooted in the belief that there is redemptive value in suffering.
Mortification isn’t merely about physical discomfort. It extends to our thoughts, motivations, and actions. It’s about reigning in our passions and desires and aligning them with God’s will. For instance, if we are irritated or insulted by someone, we recognize it as a cross to be embraced. We practice the sincere act of holding back a retaliatory response and instead, pray a blessing with a spirit of sacrifice. In this way, with the assistance of God’s grace, everything disagreeable to us can be used as a means to grow closer to Him.
Is Mortification Necessary?
“The Lord brings his servants to eternal life by mortification; but the devil leads sinners to everlasting death, by pleasure and self-indulgence.” – St. Alphonsus Liguori
As Catholics, we know that our ultimate goal is union with God, and mortification is a valuable aid in achieving this. As we intentionally give up those things we naturally want, we are able to detach from worldly pleasures that can often lead us into sin, and focus instead, on our spiritual growth. We can think of mortification as exercising our spiritual muscles. It makes us stronger, diminishing the hold that sin has over us, and freeing us to grow in greater and greater holiness. So we can see that mortification is not an end in itself but a means to an end. The goal is not to prove that we can endure pain and suffering but to grow in virtue and holiness, to express our love for God, and to offer up our crosses for the sake of His greater glory.
Is Penance the same as Mortification?
While both penance and mortification involve self-denial and sacrifice, they are not entirely the same. Penance is primarily focused on expressing sorrow for sin. It often involves specific actions or prayers prescribed by a confessor as part of the sacrament of reconciliation. It is usually carried out to make amends for sins committed and to receive God’s forgiveness. Common penitential acts include saying prayers, performing acts of charity, or participating in pilgrimages. These acts of penance typically have a temporary nature and are tied to specific sins or offenses.
On the other hand, mortification can be undertaken as a means of disciplining the body and mind to resist temptations so that one does not fall into sin. It acknowledges the fallen nature of humanity and is aimed at purifying the soul to restore the life of virtue that God originally intended for us. It recognizes that self-denial and discipline are necessary for spiritual growth and true transformation.
Detachment and the Fruits of Mortification
Mortification leads to detachment, which is the letting go of our undue attachments to the things of this world. This doesn’t mean we have to renounce all worldly goods and pleasures. Rather, it means we should not let them control us or distract us from our ultimate goal, which is union with God. There are many fruits of the virtue of mortification. It helps us grow in self-discipline, patience, and endurance. It strengthens our will and helps us resist temptations. Most importantly, it deepens our love for God and helps us conform more closely to His image and likeness.
The Primacy of Interior Mortification
While physical mortifications, such as fasting and abstinence, are important, the Church places a higher emphasis on interior mortification. This primacy emphasizes the importance of cultivating virtue and holiness from within. While physical mortifications have their place in disciplining the body and training the will, the Church recognizes that true transformation comes from the interior disposition of the heart and mind. Interior mortification involves a constant battle against our selfish desires and inclinations, striving to align our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s will. It requires self-awareness, self-control, and the cultivation of virtues such as patience, meekness, and forgiveness. By focusing on interior mortification, individuals seek to purify their intentions and motivations, allowing God’s grace to transform them from the inside out.
The Importance of Remaining Hidden
In practicing mortification, it is important to keep our acts of self-denial hidden, as much as possible. This is due to the danger of seeking recognition and praise for our virtuous acts. Jesus teaches in the Gospel of Matthew that when we practice acts of piety, such as almsgiving and prayer, we should not do it to be seen by others but to please God alone (Matthew 6:1-6). Likewise, in the context of mortification, the emphasis is on the purity of our intention and the sincerity of our love for God. By keeping our acts of mortification hidden, we guard against the temptation of seeking human praise or validation, which can lead to spiritual pride and a distortion of our motives. Yet, when acts of mortification are done solely for the love of God and without seeking the approval of others, they become more authentic expressions of our devotion and love for Him.
Keeping acts of mortification hidden does not mean pretending to be someone we are not or denying the struggles we face. Rather, it means embracing humility and recognizing that our spiritual journey is not a performance for others to witness, but a deeply personal and intimate relationship with God. By practicing mortification in secret, we are more likely to develop a genuine and deep spirituality that is focused on growing in holiness and drawing closer to God. It allows us to sacrifice the desire for recognition and cultivate a selfless love that seeks only the approval of our Heavenly Father.
The Saints and Mortification
Catholic saints have long been admired and celebrated for their remarkable lives of holiness and virtue. Throughout history, many saints have emphasized the importance of mortification in growing closer to God and striving for spiritual perfection. Mortification was seen as a way to detach from worldly desires and passions by disciplining the body, mind, and heart to conform more fully to Christ.
Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Teresa of Avila, and Saint John Vianney are just a few examples of individuals who embraced the practice of mortification and witnessed its transformative power in their lives.
Saint Francis, known for his radical poverty and self-denial, embraced a life of extreme asceticism as a means of imitating Christ’s poverty and self-sacrificing love for humanity. His practices included fasting, sleep deprivation, and wearing a coarse habit as a constant reminder of his commitment to simplicity and detachment from material things.
Saint Teresa of Avila, a Doctor of the Church, emphasized the practice of mortification in her spiritual teachings. She understood that by disciplining the senses and the emotions, one could create space for a deeper union with God. Saint Teresa believed that mortification was necessary to overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Through her own experiences, she witnessed how mortification could lead to a greater capacity for prayer, contemplation, and intimacy with God.
Saint John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, dedicated himself to prayer, penance, and self-discipline, spending long hours in the confessional and fasting rigorously. His life of self-denial was seen as a testament to his love for God and his willingness to sacrifice for the salvation of souls. Saint John Vianney recognized that mortification played a vital role in his spiritual growth and that of his parishioners.
Following Jesus and the Virtue of Mortification
Like the saints, we are called to follow Jesus by taking up our cross daily and imitating Him in every aspect of our lives. This includes embracing the virtue of mortification, just as He did. Jesus serves as our model and guide in the practice of mortification, for His life was a testament to self-denial and sacrifice.
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus willingly embraced periods of fasting and solitude, such as His forty days in the desert, to draw closer to God and strengthen His reliance on the Father. By doing so, He exemplified the importance of detaching from worldly distractions to do the will of God.
“Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.” (John 4:34)
Moreover, Jesus taught His disciples to follow in His footsteps by taking up their own crosses (Luke 9:23). His invitation goes beyond mere symbolism; it calls for a tangible commitment to the practice of mortification, by willingly denying ourselves and choosing His will in the real, and often mundane, details of our lives.
“but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28)
10 Ways to Grow in the Virtue of Mortification
There are many ways to grow in the virtue of mortification. Here are a few that are particularly helpful:
1. Regular Confession: Frequent confession helps individuals recognize their faults and weaknesses, leading to greater self-awareness and a desire for improvement. Confession provides an opportunity for genuine contrition and receiving God’s grace to grow in virtue, including mortification.
2. Fasting: Fasting is a traditional form of mortification in which one abstains from food or specific types of food for a period of time. This practice strengthens self-control and discipline, teaching us to be meek and charitable when we are denied what we want.
3. Prayer and Meditation: By setting aside dedicated time for prayer and meditation, individuals can enhance their spiritual growth and develop a closer relationship with God. As we continue to ask God to help us love His will and not our own, we receive more opportunities for mortification and grow in this virtue by His grace. And focusing on spiritual needs over material desires is a form of mortification in itself.
4. Almsgiving: Voluntarily donating money, possessions, or time to help others in need is a way to practice mortification. It involves detachment from material possessions and prioritizing the needs of others.
5. Self-denial: Deliberately giving up certain comforts or indulgences, such as desserts, entertainment, or excessive use of technology can help cultivate the virtue of mortification. This discipline fosters a detachment from worldly desires and trains the will to resist immediate gratification.
6. Physical Penances: Engaging in physical penances, such as kneeling or prostrating during prayer can be very meritorious. Saint Theresé spoke of keeping her legs uncrossed whenever sitting. This can be practiced during the homily at Mass. Pilgrims, visiting a church or shrine, may choose to make their trek in bare feet. These acts of self-denial, whether great or small, help individuals unite their sufferings with Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, leading to self-discipline and spiritual growth.
7. Ignoring Personal Preferences: Sacrificing something we want or our preferences for comfort can be a form of mortification. This can be as simple as allowing the other person to choose the schedule, the menu, or whether the room is warmer or cooler. It also involves putting the needs of others or the common good above personal desires.
8. Engaging in Service and Charitable Acts: Offering one’s time to serve others selflessly can help cultivate the virtue of mortification. Serving those in need, volunteering, or engaging in acts of charity helps individuals detach from their own desires and prioritize the well-being of others.
9. Studying the Lives of Saints: Reading and reflecting on the lives of saints who practiced mortification can provide inspiration and guidance. Their examples can help individuals understand the value of self-denial and the transformative power it holds.
10. Seeking Spiritual Direction: Consulting with a knowledgeable priest or spiritual director can provide guidance on how to grow in the virtue of mortification. They can offer personalized advice, recommend specific practices, and help individuals discern the appropriate level of mortification for their spiritual journey.
Mortification as a Disposition of Love for God and Others
At its core, mortification is an act of love – love for God and love for others. It is putting God and the needs of others before our desires and preferences. By offering sacrifices and denying ourselves certain pleasures, we demonstrate our willingness to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. Just as Christ sacrificed Himself out of love for each one of us, mortification allows us to participate in His sacrificial love and unite ourselves more closely with Him.
We read in The True Spouse of Jesus Christ, by Saint Alphonsus Liguori: “St. Francis Borgia says that prayer introduces the love of God into the soul, but mortification prepares a place for it by banishing from the heart earthly affections – the most powerful obstacles to charity.”
As our hearts become filled with the love of God, we can then extend His selfless love to others by seeking their well-being before our own. Rather than focusing on ourselves and what we want, we choose to serve and support our neighbor, especially when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Practicing the virtue of Mortification can also soften our hearts toward those who suffer. By embracing suffering and sacrifice, we gain a greater understanding of the pain and challenges that others face. This allows us to approach their struggles with greater empathy, compassion, and a desire to alleviate their burdens.
In this way, mortification becomes an act of love that extends beyond ourselves and into the world. It helps us to cultivate other virtues, such as humility and generosity. It becomes a powerful means of drawing others to Christ and helping them to see the value of their sufferings.
Conclusion
The virtue of mortification is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. It is not an easy path, but it leads to profound spiritual growth and a deeper love for God. It is not about self-punishment or seeking to inflict pain for its own sake, but rather about willingly embracing self-denial and sacrifice so that we may grow in holiness and become the person God created us to be. As we strive to grow in this virtue, remember that we are not alone in our journey. We have the grace of God and the example of Jesus, Mary, and the saints to guide us. So let’s begin to pray for mortification, find ways to deny our self-will, and embrace our sufferings with courage and love, trusting in God’s grace to sustain us.
