Corporal Penances

[Aloysius]

I guess that uncovers an important thing. even in the absence of a direct Divine Command, you should always pray and make sure this is what God wants you to do. Not every person is called to self-mortification penance except for the obligatory fast days.

[qfnol31]

[quote name='Aloysius' date='Jul 19 2004, 04:30 AM'] I guess that uncovers an important thing. even in the absence of a direct Divine Command, you should always pray and make sure this is what God wants you to do. Not every person is called to self-mortification penance except for the obligatory fast days. [/quote]
St. Thérèse found that out.

[Guest JeffCR07]

I like to think of it in the following terms:

Sometimes it is right and necessary to chastise the body, and in a way the suites the transgression, just as a parent chastising a child.

Sometimes, the child need only be explained why what he or she did was wrong, other times they need to be sent to "time out," other times they need certain privelages revoked, and, in rare cases, they need to be spanked for what they have done (keeping in mind that there is a large difference between the spanking and the beating of a child). So too is it with the body.

If someone's sins are very, very grave, an "extreme" penance may be in order. However, I would also point out that such things are very dangerous, not only physically, but spiritually, for they can very easily lead to masocism, which is a terrible thing, and not approved of by God or the Church.

So the answer is yes, in certain cases it may be beneficial from a spiritual standpoint, but one's confessor should be consulted first, and it should always be strictly supervised as to avoid degrading into something sinful in and of itself.

[cmotherofpirl]

No mortification should be undertaken without permission of a confessor.

[Guest JeffCR07]

I thought I had said that in my post, but I definately think Cmom is 100% right to make that absolutely clear. It is something that should be supervised in the strictest of manners

[qfnol31]

[quote name='cmotherofpirl' date='Jul 19 2004, 09:36 AM'] No mortification should be undertaken without permission of a confessor. [/quote]
That helped answer a lot right there!

[BurkeFan]

[quote name='qfnol31' date='Jul 19 2004, 04:08 AM'] How does the intention make it okay?
[/quote]
Intention is everything... you can help an old lady across the street because it's the right thing to do (good intention) or so your buddy can mug her (wrong intention).

Corporal punishments/penances must always be done in conjuction with a spiritual advisor / confessor and out of love for Jesus Christ. St Dominic, I believe, used to wear a chain and practice self-flagellation in reparation for his own sins, the sins of others, and those of the whole world. That's a shaky memory though, so, someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
We're fickle creatures, and sometimes the self-imposition of pain can be a more powerful impetus of change for the better. One jst always needs to remain vigilent and careful that it doesn't cross the line into masochism.
I honestly think that it's something to be practiced by a few, but, I don't think it's appropriate for many.
And now, I think I'm just repeating others.

[Theoketos]

When in doubt find a spiritual director.

Actually only do pennance under the direction of another. That is what St. Benedict says in his rule.

[Guest JeffCR07]

It is best that the spiritual director to whom you go be a priest (if you are going to your confessor, then he is automatically a priest).

In my personal opinion, (not sanctioned by the Church, to my knowledge) it is audacious for a member of the laity to think that he or she can find themselves a "suitable" penance for the reparation of their sins. The supervision and instruction of a member of the clergy is necessary.

- Your Brother In Christ, Jeff

[Aloysius]

well, looks like the extent of my penance will be to talk to God for five minutes about how i'm sorry

[Sinner]

It is my feeling that the disdain for corporal mortification is a very American belief. It is a noble and just practice under certain circumstances. Also, no corporal mortification should be done without the guidance of a Spiritual Director. It is just too easy for pride and scrupulosity to be the driving feature of these types of penances/mortifications. I doubt my SD would allow me to do these at this time. My guess is that when appropriate........he would be the one to suggest it.