Episode 2988: An Hour with Jesus: Mortification as the Path to Sanctification - 2nd Week of Lent

An Hour with Christ:
2nd Sunday of Lent
The Necessity of Penance: Mortification as the Path to Sanctification

Opening Prayer:
"O Christ, give us strength to carry our crosses daily and unite them to Yours. Teach us to embrace suffering as a means of sanctification. Amen."
Theme: Mortification as the path to sanctification.
The Second Sunday of Lent invites us to reflect on our need for penance, self-denial, and mortification. Mortification is not a burden, but a means of transformation, helping us grow closer to Christ and preparing us for the glory of Easter. Through mortification, we unite ourselves to the sufferings of Christ and experience spiritual renewal.
Today, we will examine:
1. The Church’s traditional disciplines of Lent
2. The necessity of mortification in the life of a Catholic
3. How we can practically apply mortification in our own lives
Part 1: The Church’s Traditional Disciplines of Lent (10 minutes)
Lent has always been a season of penance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, set aside by the Church to help the faithful prepare for the glorious celebration of the Resurrection at Easter. It is a time of spiritual renewal, where Christians focus on their relationship with God, turning away from sin and seeking purification. These practices not only aid in personal sanctification but also unite the faithful to the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
The traditional Lenten disciplines fasting, prayer, and almsgiving have been passed down through the centuries as essential tools for spiritual growth. Let's reflect on each one individually:
1. Fasting
Fasting is one of the most prominent practices of Lent. It is not merely an external act of self-denial but a deeply spiritual exercise that helps to purify the body and soul.
• Church Mandates: The Church specifically mandates fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, with the faithful required to fast and abstain from meat on these days. Additionally, Catholics are encouraged to fast on all Fridays during Lent, though the specifics of this fast may vary depending on local customs and health considerations.
• Spiritual Purpose: Fasting is meant to help us detach from worldly comforts and sinful attachments. It is a form of self-discipline that trains the soul to seek the higher things of God rather than material pleasure. St. Augustine once said, "Fasting cleanses the soul, raises the mind, subjects one's flesh to the spirit, renders the heart contrite and humble, scatters the clouds of concupiscence, quenches the fire of lust, and kindles the true light of chastity." Through fasting, we learn to focus on the things of God rather than the things of this world.
• Growth in Virtue: By fasting, we deny our body its cravings and bring our passions into submission. This discipline enables us to gain greater control over our desires and helps us grow in virtues such as temperance, humility, and self-control.

2. Prayer
Lent is also a time to deepen our relationship with God through prayer. The Church encourages us to commit more time to prayer during this season, as prayer is the means by which we communicate with God and grow in intimacy with Him.
• Daily Prayer: The Church calls us to increase our time in prayer during Lent. This might include attending daily Mass, praying the Rosary, or taking time for personal meditation. These acts of prayer draw us closer to Christ and help us reflect on His Passion, preparing us to celebrate His Resurrection at Easter.
• Stations of the Cross: A powerful Lenten devotion, the Stations of the Cross help us to reflect on the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. Through this practice, we unite our small sufferings to those of Christ, gaining strength from His example and offering our prayers for the salvation of souls.
• Scripture Study: Another important aspect of prayer during Lent is the study of Sacred Scripture. Lent is a time for deeper meditation on the Word of God. Reading and reflecting on the Scriptures, especially the Gospels, helps us grow in wisdom and strengthens our faith. The Church also encourages us to reflect on the Passion narratives, allowing them to deepen our understanding of Christ's love for us.
3. Almsgiving
Almsgiving is an essential practice of Lent, as it teaches us to turn away from selfishness and toward generosity and charity.
• Turning Away from Selfishness: Lent is a time to focus not only on our personal spiritual renewal but also on how we can serve others. Almsgiving teaches us to be less focused on our material comforts and more focused on the needs of others, particularly the poor and the marginalized. It is a practice of charity that imitates Christ’s selflessness, who gave His life for the salvation of the world.
• Spiritual Benefits: St. John Chrysostom emphasized the importance of almsgiving, stating, "It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving." Almsgiving is not just about donating money or resources it is about offering ourselves, our time, and our energy in service to others. In this way, almsgiving purifies our hearts and makes us more attuned to the needs of others, helping to break down the walls of pride and selfishness.
• Fighting Sin: Almsgiving also has a deeper spiritual purpose: it helps us fight the sin of greed and materialism. By sharing what we have with those in need, we practice detachment from material wealth and learn to live in solidarity with the poor. This helps us develop a heart of compassion and love for others, drawing us closer to the heart of Christ.
Summing it Up:
These three traditional Lenten disciplines: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving are designed to help us fight against sin and grow in holiness. They serve as a means of spiritual renewal, purifying our souls and leading us to a greater union with God. Through fasting, we learn self-discipline and humility. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with God and unite our sufferings to His. Through almsgiving, we detach ourselves from material possessions and serve the poor with love and compassion.
As we embark on this Lenten journey, let us embrace these practices with joy, knowing that each sacrifice and act of charity is an opportunity to grow in holiness and become more like Christ. Let us unite our small sufferings to the great suffering of Christ, and may this season of Lent lead us to the joy of Easter and the ultimate victory of the Resurrection.
Discussion with Attendee’s: Any thoughts, comments or questions?
Part 2: The Necessity of Mortification (15 minutes)
St. Paul and the Call to Mortification
In 1 Corinthians 9:27, St. Paul writes, "I chastise my body and bring it into subjection."
Mortification is necessary because it is through the mortification of our sinful inclinations that we become more like Christ. The Church teaches that to truly follow Christ, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (cf. Luke 9:23).
Pope Pius XII’s Warning: "The Sin of the Century"
Pope Pius XII famously said, "The sin of the century is the loss of the sense of sin."
In a world that often encourages indulgence, self-gratification, and materialism, the idea of mortification can seem foreign or even undesirable. Yet, the loss of the sense of sin and the failure to mortify our passions can lead us further away from God. Penance and mortification are the tools we use to purify our souls.
The Loss of the Sense of Sin: A Crisis of the Modern Age
Pope Pius XII’s words, "The sin of the century is the loss of the sense of sin," were a prophetic insight into the spiritual crisis facing the modern world. In his time, as today, the growing secularization of society led many to downplay or ignore the reality of sin altogether. Modernity, with its emphasis on individualism, relativism, and material progress, has gradually pushed the idea of sin to the margins of public consciousness. People, influenced by the media, entertainment, and popular culture, are often told that fulfillment lies in the pursuit of personal pleasure, wealth, and status values that rarely consider the moral consequences of actions.
In this environment, the concept of sin becomes increasingly irrelevant. Sin is reduced to personal mistakes or cultural taboos, rather than offenses against God and His natural law. When sin is not recognized for what it truly is a disordered turning away from God it becomes difficult for individuals to see the need for penance or mortification. Instead, sin is often excused, justified, or ignored altogether, leaving people to live in spiritual blindness.
The Need for Mortification in the Absence of the Sense of Sin
When Pope Pius XII referred to the loss of the sense of sin, he was pointing out that without a true understanding of sin, there is no real motivation to seek spiritual healing. The loss of the sense of sin leads to moral indifference and a breakdown in spiritual discipline. In such a climate, the notion of mortification a practice central to the spiritual life becomes foreign, even undesirable.
In a world that increasingly champions self-gratification and indulgence, mortification is countercultural. Mortification, in its traditional Catholic understanding, is the voluntary denial of comfort or pleasure, and the subduing of the passions and desires of the flesh. It is not an act of punishment for punishment's sake, but a means to gain mastery over oneself, thereby freeing the soul to focus on the things of God.
Without an awareness of sin, we lose sight of our need for purification. Mortification, however, can serve as a spiritual remedy for the soul that has become ensnared by the pleasures and distractions of the world. The Church teaches that we must discipline our bodies in order to direct them toward God. St. Paul, for example, says in 1 Corinthians 9:27, "I chastise my body and bring it into subjection," showing that mortification is essential for spiritual victory.
The Dangers of Self-Indulgence and Materialism
Modern society's embrace of materialism and self-indulgence directly contributes to the loss of the sense of sin. People are often encouraged to indulge in whatever feels good or brings immediate pleasure. The pursuit of wealth, status, and comfort are seen as virtues, and asceticism or self-denial is viewed as unnecessary or even harmful. But this emphasis on comfort and material goods can be spiritually dangerous.
Self-indulgence leads to the enslavement of the will. When the body’s desires become unchecked, they begin to dominate the soul. This can manifest in unhealthy attachments to food, entertainment, possessions, or even relationships, all of which can lead a person further away from God. Rather than fostering spiritual growth, self-indulgence can stifle it, keeping the individual distracted from the true purpose of life: union with God.
The excessive focus on material wealth and comfort also dulls the soul’s sensitivity to spiritual realities. Instead of seeking heaven, people become preoccupied with temporary, earthly pleasures. As Bishop Fulton J. Sheen often reminded us, the pursuit of happiness in worldly things never satisfies the deepest longings of the heart. It only exacerbates the desire for more, leaving individuals feeling empty and disconnected from their true spiritual calling.

Penance and Mortification: Tools for Purification
In response to the loss of the sense of sin and the moral drift of society, the Church continues to emphasize the importance of penance and mortification. These practices are not only about denying oneself, but about purifying the soul from the corruption caused by sin and the overindulgence of the flesh.
1. Penance: A Means of Returning to God
Penance is the process by which we acknowledge our sins, express our sorrow, and seek forgiveness from God. It involves contrition (true sorrow for sin), confession, and satisfaction (penance). The Church teaches that penance helps repair the damage caused by sin and brings us back into union with God. It is through penance that we can heal the wounds of sin, restoring the grace we once had.
• Scripture teaches the necessity of penance: In Matthew 4:17, Jesus begins His ministry with the call to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This call to repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual turning away from sin and toward God.
• The Sacrament of Confession is the ordinary means by which we receive forgiveness for our sins and restore our relationship with God. Through confession, we receive grace, which strengthens us to resist future temptations.
2. Mortification: Transforming the Will
While penance addresses the effects of sin, mortification addresses the root cause: the disordered desires of the flesh. Mortification involves actively fighting against these desires, particularly those that lead us to sin. By engaging in acts of self-denial, we train our will to resist temptation and focus more on spiritual goods than on earthly comforts.
St. Thomas Aquinas explains that mortification is essential because it helps us gain mastery over our passions, which can otherwise lead us to sin. By mortifying our passions whether through fasting, abstinence, or other forms of self-denial we become spiritually stronger, more self-disciplined, and better able to love God above all things.
Summing it up: The Path to Holiness through Penance and Mortification
The loss of the sense of sin is a real and dangerous problem in the modern world, where self-gratification and materialism reign supreme. Pope Pius XII’s words continue to ring true today, as society largely ignores the need for penance and self-discipline. Yet, as Catholics, we are called to embrace penance and mortification as means of purifying our souls and growing closer to God.
The Lenten season, in particular, is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our relationship with sin, to renew our commitment to penance, and to take up mortification as a means of sanctification. Through these practices, we can rid ourselves of attachments to the world and grow in holiness, as we follow Christ on the path of self-denial, the cross, and ultimately, the resurrection.
May we respond to the call to mortify our passions, embrace the cross, and return to God with contrite hearts, knowing that, as Pope Pius XII reminded us, these are the tools we use to purify our souls and draw closer to the eternal joy that awaits us in heaven.
Discussion with Attendee’s: Any thoughts, comments or questions?

Part 3: Reflection on Luke 9:23-26 (15 minutes)
Take up your cross daily
In this passage, Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship:
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."
Here, Jesus sets the example for us. We are called not only to acknowledge our crosses but to take them up daily, in whatever form they may take. It may be the suffering of illness, loss, or spiritual dryness, or it may be something as simple as the daily denial of our own selfish desires.
Take Up Your Cross Daily
In Luke 9:23-26, Jesus presents us with a challenging but vital teaching on the cost of discipleship:
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."
This passage invites us to reflect deeply on what it means to follow Christ not merely in moments of joy or success, but in the midst of suffering, sacrifice, and self-denial. Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily not just in times of great suffering, but in every moment of our lives, through every trial, difficulty, or even inconvenience that challenges our comfort and desires.

Jesus’ Example of Self-Denial
The words of Christ in this passage are more than a command; they are an invitation to join Him on the path of love and sacrifice. Jesus Himself exemplified the ultimate act of self-denial and suffering His Passion and death on the cross. He did not simply passively accept His cross, but actively embraced it for the sake of our salvation. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42). He showed us that true discipleship involves surrendering our own will to the will of the Father, even when that involves suffering and hardship.
Denying Ourselves: The Heart of the Cross
When Jesus says, "Let him deny himself," He is not calling us to self-hatred or self-punishment, but to a radical reorientation of our desires. We are called to deny our selfish inclinations and to recognize that our fulfillment is not found in earthly pleasure or possessions, but in God alone. This may mean resisting temptations, saying no to indulgence, or willingly accepting discomfort and sacrifice for the sake of others.
In practical terms, taking up our cross daily could look like:
• Offering up a difficult situation like an illness, a strained relationship, or a work-related challenge as a means of growing in patience and humility.
• Choosing to love someone who is hard to love, offering forgiveness to someone who has hurt us, or laying down our pride in moments of conflict.
• Giving up time, comfort, or possessions in service to others or in prayer.
These small acts of self-denial, when offered to God, help us to grow in virtue and move closer to the likeness of Christ.
Taking Up Your Cross in Practical Life
The call to “take up your cross daily” is not just a spiritual ideal but a practical command. It means choosing the way of the cross in small, everyday decisions. Each time we deny ourselves, embrace a difficulty, or choose love over selfishness, we are answering Christ’s call. It is through these acts of self-denial that we participate in His redemptive work, purifying our hearts and drawing closer to Him.
• Mortification and penance can become a means of imitating Christ in a concrete way. Small acts of mortification like fasting, saying no to comforts, or patiently enduring hardship help us grow in virtue, especially humility, patience, and self-control.
• Love is at the heart of every cross we bear. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was motivated by love for the Father and love for humanity. Every time we take up our cross with love and for love, we are participating in the mystery of Christ's love for us.
Summing it up
As we reflect on Luke 9:23-26, we are reminded that discipleship is a journey of self-denial, sacrifice, and love. The crosses we encounter whether big or small are invitations to walk with Christ in His suffering. When we embrace them with faith and love, they become the very means by which we are sanctified. In a world that often avoids suffering at all costs, the call to take up our cross daily stands as a radical, countercultural invitation to follow the path of Christ.
Let us then offer up our daily struggles as penance for the salvation of souls and unite them to the redemptive work of Christ. Through these small acts of sacrifice, we grow in holiness and draw nearer to our ultimate goal eternal life and joy that await us in Heaven.
As we continue, let us ask ourselves: How can I embrace my crosses with joy and offer them for the glory of God and the salvation of souls?
Discussion with Attendee’s: Any thoughts, comments on the following questions?
• What are the crosses in your life that you are called to carry with Christ?

• How can you offer up your daily struggles as penance for the salvation of souls?
Part 4: Saintly Wisdom on Mortification (10 minutes)
St. Alphonsus Liguori: "He who does not overcome himself in little things will not overcome himself in great ones."
If we cannot practice small acts of penance, how will we endure larger trials? True sanctity begins in the small moments, with simple sacrifices.
In the journey of mortification, it is often tempting to focus solely on grand acts of penance, such as fasting for extended periods or enduring great physical suffering for the love of God. While these can be important, true sanctity begins in the small moments, with simple sacrifices. St. Alphonsus Liguori, a doctor of the Church and renowned spiritual writer, highlights this profound truth when he says:
"He who does not overcome himself in little things will not overcome himself in great ones."
This statement invites us to reflect on the way we approach the seemingly insignificant details of our daily lives. The small, mundane sacrifices we make daily such as saying no to unnecessary indulgences, practicing patience in traffic, resisting the urge to speak unkindly, or making the effort to serve others even when we are tired are the building blocks of sanctity. Without these, we would be ill-prepared to endure the larger trials that may come our way. The little things are the training ground for true mortification.
The Importance of Small Acts of Penance
St. Alphonsus’ wisdom reminds us that sanctity is not forged in extraordinary moments of suffering, but in the ordinary choices we make day by day. Mortification is a habit that we cultivate gradually through small, repeated acts of self-denial. In his book The Spiritual Life, St. Alphonsus emphasizes that to achieve true mortification, we must begin with small sacrifices in our daily routine. It is through these smaller penances that we learn to overcome our will and begin to master the passions that often control us.
These small acts of penance might include:
• Turning off the television or social media in favor of prayer or reading spiritual books.
• Waking up earlier to spend time in silence with God, even when we are tired.
• Resisting the temptation to speak critically of others, even when it may seem harmless.
• Offering up minor discomforts (e.g., being in a noisy place or facing an annoying situation) as sacrifices to God.
When we are faithful in these small moments, we are building the spiritual muscle needed to endure larger challenges. The person who is accustomed to denying themselves in little things will have the strength to endure greater trials with patience, humility, and love.
The Connection Between Mortification and Virtue
St. Alphonsus also teaches that mortification is closely linked to the development of virtue. It is through these small acts of self-denial that we grow in the virtues of humility, patience, and temperance. These virtues prepare us for the larger sacrifices of life, including times of great suffering or loss, when we must lean on God and trust in His providence.
For example:
• Humility is fostered when we deny our desire for praise or recognition in favor of hidden acts of service.
• Patience grows when we endure minor inconveniences, such as waiting in line or dealing with a frustrating situation, without complaining.
• Temperance is nurtured when we resist overindulgence in food, drink, or entertainment, choosing instead simplicity and moderation.
St. Alphonsus’ teaching reminds us that sanctity is a gradual process. It begins with the small victories over our will, which prepare us for greater battles. Mortification helps us to purify our hearts, to detach from the pleasures and comforts of this world, and to grow in conformity to Christ.
Practical Application: Embrace the Small Crosses
As we reflect on St. Alphonsus Liguori’s wisdom, it is helpful to ask ourselves:
• What are the little things I can offer to God in my daily life?
• Am I willing to embrace the small crosses that come my way, knowing that they are the means by which God is helping me grow in virtue?
If we are faithful in these smaller acts of penance, they will lead us toward a greater readiness to bear larger crosses, should they come. The path to sanctity is paved with small steps of self-denial, and it is in these moments that we encounter God’s grace.
St. Alphonsus reminds us that each small act of penance has eternal significance, and through them, we grow ever closer to Christ. Mortification, in this light, is not just a means of purification but also a way to participate in Christ’s own sacrificial love.
Summing it Up
St. Alphonsus Liguori’s insight into the small acts of penance is invaluable for our spiritual journey. If we learn to overcome ourselves in little things, we will be prepared to face greater challenges with grace and holiness. Each small sacrifice is an opportunity to grow in virtue, embrace mortification, and become more like Christ.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us remember that true sanctity begins in the small, everyday moments of our lives. By embracing these small acts of mortification, we grow ever closer to the Lord and prepare ourselves for the greater trials that may come in the future.
Let us pray for the grace to be faithful in the small things, knowing that they are the foundation of our holiness. May we, like St. Alphonsus, learn to embrace each moment as an opportunity for self-denial and spiritual growth.

Discussion with Attendee’s: Any thoughts, comments on the following questions?
1. What small acts of mortification can I embrace in my life today to grow in sanctity?
2. How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of the small ways in which God is inviting me to embrace mortification?
Part 5: Practical Application of Mortification (10 minutes)
Now that we’ve explored the spiritual and theological aspects of mortification, let’s consider how we can practically apply this in our daily lives.
Some concrete acts of penance and mortification include:
1. Pray an Hour: Instead of starting your day in a rush, start your day with 15 to 45 minutes of meditative prayer or attending mass or eucharistic adoration. This practice helps us fight against comfort and indulgence. We replace our personal acts with spiritual acts of “You first Christ!”
2. Reduced Meals: Fasting or eating smaller portions can help detach us from excessive desire for food and teach us to rely more on God’s grace.
3. Acts of Self-Denial: This can include things like giving up a favorite food, reducing time spent on social media, or abstaining from certain luxuries. The goal is not to punish ourselves but to practice self-control and self-mastery.
Challenge for the Week: Choose one small act of mortification to commit to during this Lenten season. This could be as simple as giving up dessert, waking up earlier for prayer, or going without something that you normally enjoy.
Conclusion
In today’s session, we’ve discussed the importance of penance and mortification in the Christian life. We’ve explored the teachings of Scripture, the Church, and the saints, and we’ve seen that mortification is not a burden, but a path to sanctification. Through small acts of self-denial, we can unite ourselves more closely with Christ and grow in holiness.
Remember, this Lent is a time of grace. Let us embrace the cross with joy, trusting that every act of penance is a step closer to the glory of the resurrection.
Closing Prayer
O merciful Father,
As we reflect on the journey of Lent, we thank You for the grace to embrace the call to penance, mortification, and self-denial. On this 2nd Sunday of Lent, we ask You to strengthen us in our commitment to take up our crosses daily, as Your Son, Jesus Christ, has taught us.
Lord, grant us the courage to practice mortification not out of mere duty but out of love for You. May we offer up our daily struggles whether illness, loss, or the denial of our own desires united to the Cross of Christ, that they may become a means of sanctification.
We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, who took up His cross for our salvation and calls us to do the same. May His love be the source of our strength in this holy season of Lent.
Amen.