Introduction
Catholicism, like many other religious traditions, has long emphasized the importance of self-discipline and self-denial as a means of deepening one’s spiritual connection with God. This practice is commonly referred to as “mortification.”
While the term may sound severe, mortification is not about inflicting pain or suffering for its own sake but rather as a way to strengthen one’s faith and foster spiritual growth.
Additionally, mortification can play a role in helping expiate or reduce the need for purification in purgatory.
In this post, I’ll explore the role of Catholic mortification, its history, and its significance in the lives of believers.
Understanding Mortification
Mortification comes from the Latin word “mortificare,” which means “to make dead” or “to put to death.” In the context of Catholicism, it refers to voluntary acts of self-denial and self-discipline, often involving physical or material sacrifices, with the ultimate goal of achieving spiritual benefits. Mortification is seen as a way to imitate Christ’s suffering and death on the cross, as well as to combat the desires of the flesh and worldly temptations.
Historical Perspective
The practice of mortification has deep historical roots within the Catholic Church. Early Christian ascetics, such as the Desert Fathers and Mothers, practiced various forms of self-denial as a means of drawing closer to God. St. Anthony of Egypt, for example, is well known for his austere lifestyle and commitment to poverty as a form of mortification.
In the Middle Ages, mortification took on various forms, including fasting, wearing hair shirts, and engaging in acts of penance. These practices were believed to purify the soul, atone for sins, and cultivate humility.
Purgatory
The concept of purgatory is a belief within the Catholic Church that refers to a temporary state of purification and cleansing that some souls undergo after death before they can enter into the full presence of God in heaven.
It is believed that souls in purgatory are those who have died in a state of grace but still have some residual sins or imperfections that need to be purged before they can be admitted to heaven.
While mortification plays a role in Catholic spirituality and can be seen as a means of spiritual growth and purification, its direct connection to reducing the length of time a soul spends in purgatory is a matter of theological interpretation and debate within the Catholic tradition.
Forms of Mortification
The forms of mortification are varied by typically fall into one of the following categories.
- Fasting and Abstinence: Fasting during Lent and on certain holy days is a common form of mortification in Catholicism. Abstaining from meat on Fridays and during Lent is also a way for believers to practice self-discipline. Of course, you can fast and abstain any time of the year. I try to fast each Friday, for example.
- Prayer and Meditation: Engaging in extended periods of prayer and meditation, such as the Rosary or the Stations of the Cross, can be a form of spiritual mortification. It requires a conscious effort to focus the mind and resist distractions.
- Almsgiving: Giving to the poor and those in need is a way to detach from material possessions and practice generosity and charity. This act of selflessness is considered a form of mortification of the ego.
- Physical Mortifications: Some devout Catholics choose to engage in physical acts of mortification, such as wearing a cilice (a hair shirt), using a discipline (a knotted cord for self-flagellation), or sleeping on a hard surface. These practices are controversial and not widely encouraged by the Church today. Not because they don’t have value, but they can easily be used for wrong, and ultimately, harmful reasons. I highly suggest you consult a confessor or, if you have a spiritual advisor, speak with them about it if it’s something you’re considering.
The Spiritual Benefits of Mortification
There are some benefits to mortification. Here are a few.
- Greater Self-Control: Through mortification, Catholics learn to exercise self-control over their desires and impulses, which can lead to a more virtuous and disciplined life.
- Humility: Mortification helps individuals recognize their dependence on God and their own weaknesses. It fosters humility and a deeper understanding of one’s need for grace.
- Detachment from Worldly Pleasures: By voluntarily renouncing certain pleasures and comforts, individuals can detach from the materialistic and hedonistic aspects of modern life, focusing instead on the spiritual.
- Spiritual Growth: Ultimately, mortification is a path to spiritual growth. It deepens one’s relationship with God, fosters a greater sense of purpose, and helps individuals overcome spiritual obstacles.
Conclusion
The role of Catholic mortification in the lives of believers is rooted in a long history of self-discipline and self-denial as a means of drawing closer to God.
While some forms of mortification have evolved and become less extreme over time, the core principles of humility, self-control, and detachment remain central to the practice.
For Catholics, mortification serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and, with proper guidance, help lead to a deepening of faith, ultimately helping them live a more virtuous and Christ-like life.
If you have any thoughts or stories to share, please drop them in the comments. Thanks.
Thank you for reading!