4- MORTIFICACIÓN. "NOSOTROS" Palestra acética para hombres

Mortification in Christian Aesthetics

In this section, the speaker delves into the concept of mortification in Christian aesthetics, emphasizing the need for actions and virtues that suppress sinful tendencies to allow for the growth of a new self.

Mortification as a Path to Growth

• Mortification is essential for the development and full realization of the new self in Christ.

• The purpose of mortification is not to kill but to vivify; it is about allowing oneself to live fully.

• Christianity revolves around transitioning from death to life, symbolized by Easter, embodying a personal journey from sin to grace and freedom.

The Necessity of Mortification

• Mortification is crucial due to our fallen nature, requiring a constant battle against perverse inclinations.

• As humans, mortification is necessary for living an honest life guided by reason and rationality.

Embracing Mortification as Disciples

• Following Christ involves embracing mortification as part of conforming one's life with His teachings.

• Mortification aligns believers with Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection through baptismal incorporation.

The Impact of Mortification

This segment explores the transformative effects of mortification on individuals' lives, focusing on its role in healing from sin and fostering spiritual growth.

Healing Through Mortification

• Mortification serves as a remedy against sin's reinforcement within individuals, curbing vices and strengthening free will towards God's service.

Spiritual Growth and Redemption

Mortification and Sanctity

The speaker discusses the concept of mortification as a means to repair sins, strengthen willpower, and progress towards sanctity.

Mortification for Repairing Sins

• Mortification allows individuals to repay their debts to God through suffering, either in this life or in purgatory.

• It offers the opportunity to atone for personal and others' sins, preventing future sins by submitting the flesh to the Spirit.

Strengthening Willpower

• Regular mortification builds virtues, making it easier to choose good over evil and resist temptations.

• Progress in holiness results from both God's grace and human will; mortification helps forge a strong will.

Importance for Sanctity

• Acts of mortification are sacrifices that draw God's grace, essential for sanctification by strengthening the will and gaining divine favor.

• Mortification is crucial for sanctity as it enhances our willpower, fosters God's love towards us, and increases His grace abundantly.

Interior vs. Exterior Mortifications

The discussion contrasts external (body and senses) with internal (soul) mortifications emphasizing the significance of purifying the soul.

Internal Purification

• Interior mortification focuses on purifying the soul from sin, fostering a deeper union with God as its ultimate goal.

• Combatting disordered inclinations extends beyond physical senses to spiritual aspects like thoughts, desires, feelings, affections, and memory.

Mastery of Inner Self

• Jesus emphasizes controlling inner thoughts and feelings since impurity stems from within; rational beings touched by grace can achieve this control.

• Without mastering internal aspects like thoughts and desires through interior mortification, external practices risk becoming mere formalities lacking true transformation.

Sources of Mortifications

Different categories of mortifications are explored based on their origins: personal circumstances or events permitted by God.

Personal Obligations

• Mortifications arise from fulfilling duties related to family life, work commitments, community responsibilities requiring discipline, generosity, punctuality with a supernatural spirit.

Divine Permitted Trials

Spiritual Mortifications and Sacrifices

In this section, the speaker discusses the significance of spiritual mortifications and sacrifices in the spiritual life, emphasizing their role in shaping character and aligning actions with Christian values.

Mortifications for Spiritual Growth

• The speaker highlights the importance of voluntary mortifications as a means to control one's desires and align oneself with God's will.

• Various forms of voluntary mortifications are mentioned, including fasting, abstaining from certain pleasures, and physical penances like using cilices or disciplines.

• Examples of mortifications such as cold showers, physical exertion in sports or gym activities are discussed as ways to discipline the body and master one's passions.

Purposeful Sacrifices

• The primary goal of these sacrifices is not merely physical improvement but rather self-mastery, aligning with Christ's sacrifice for salvation.

• Functional mortifications involve redirecting daily activities towards glorifying God; for instance, avoiding unhealthy foods for better health or giving up certain luxuries to aid those in need.

Offering Sacrifices to God

• Sacrifices can also include refraining from indulging in personal desires to share resources with others through acts of charity or justice.