Catholic Classics Day 24: Mortification for Purification (Introduction to the Devout Life)
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Nov 16, 2022 AI Snips
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Start With The Heart For Lasting Change
- Begin mortification from the heart because interior change shapes outward actions.
- St. Francis de Sales: engraving 'May Jesus live' on the heart produces Christlike deeds down to eyes, mouth, hands, and even hair.
Fast Regularly But Moderately
- Fast regularly but prudently to elevate the spirit and restrain gluttony.
- Choose one fast day (e.g., Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday) and avoid excessive austerity especially in youth to prevent relapse.
Choose Useful Labor Over Empty Austerity
- Prefer labor that subdues the flesh when it serves God or neighbor instead of needless fasting.
- The Church exempts those whose work serves others from fasts, so choose useful toil (visiting sick, preaching) as mortification.