Sensible suggestions

[atonement]

Based on the assumption that the users of this forum understand that corporal mortification does not have to mean ripping flesh off my back I would like to start a topic discussing other more novel types of physical penance.

I think we may come to the conclusion that the reason there are so few defined corporal mortification practices is because over the centruies these have been show to be the most effective and/or 'user freindly'?

Maybe as this forum is so young we shouldnt debate forms of penance that might fuel the fires of misunderstanding so early on in its life. Too late.... I have started the thread

Now am I banned?

[mark]

I'm sure you won't be banned and it is a very sensible suggestion. I'll start the ball rolling so if anyone is banned at least it will be two of us

Fasting. It's not physical penance as such but there is a long tradition of fasting in the Church and I find the "pangs" of hunger as effective at reminding me of my spiritual position in life as the tugs of the cilix. I also practise, as many popes have encouraged, the traditional pre-Communion fast from midnight, which is another form of legitimate mortification.

Mark

[Ollie]

Hi Mark and atonement yes fasting is a good one, I know someone who has given up chinese takeaways for lent although some people might think thats just being sensible rather than penitent

What about (and assuming we are physically fit) denying ourselves heating during winter months for certain periods?

[nick]

Now am I banned?

Not on my watch

[Dark Knight]

I have gone through periods of eating only Bread on Fridays, it certainly help's me to get grateful, especially when i reach for the cuboard looking for something sweet and then remember that its friday.

[Ollie]

Crown of thorns? Maybe?

[mark]

Hi Mark and atonement yes fasting is a good one, I know someone who has given up chinese takeaways for lent although some people might think thats just being sensible rather than penitent

What about (and assuming we are physically fit) denying ourselves heating during winter months for certain periods?

I agree about heating - I am thinking about that as something harder for Holy Week. Also no cheating by putting on extra clothing

[trenchtown]

A slightly light-hearted thread, which is sweet relief as I consider the suffering in this world and the impossible task ahead of us all to try to be of maximum service to God and our fellow man.

My suggestion is this, I believe none will better it and it may go one step too far, for it goes to the heart of our redemptive suffering:

A full size wooden cross, strong enough to hold a man, hands and feet bound to it by a responsible, closed mouth partner, preferably a spiritual director. I do not how long such a penance would be tolerable and I have never considered such a thing until now. Now I have considered it, I would imagine someone has probably already experienced it.

I believe I have now rather raised the ante.

[atonement]

A full size wooden cross, strong enough to hold a man, hands and feet bound to it by a responsible, closed mouth partner, preferably a spiritual director. I do not how long such a penance would be tolerable and I have never considered such a thing until now. Now I have considered it, I would imagine someone has probably already experienced it.

I believe I have now rather raised the ante.

The thread was titled 'Sensible suggestions' although I suppose this is a forum for matters such as this to be discussed. I am trying to picture the scene trenchtown... If I completely open my mind I think I can imagine it but it is rather extreme; I worry we will all be labelled 'religious nutters' mind you. Then again, you only have to believe in Jesus these day to be called a 'religious nutter'

[mark]

The thread was titled 'Sensible suggestions' although I suppose this is a forum for matters such as this to be discussed. I am trying to picture the scene trenchtown... If I completely open my mind I think I can imagine it but it is rather extreme; I worry we will all be labelled 'religious nutters' mind you. Then again, you only have to believe in Jesus these day to be called a 'religious nutter'

I think that those people who want to call us religious nutters will call us that for the penances many of us already carry out. And maybe having to hear yourself being labelled a nutter is a penance in itself which we should welcome??

Although being called nutters souldn't put us off I am not sure personally about emulating Jesus in quite this way and I'm worried (for myself: others muight view it differently) about the spiritual pride it might cause. One alternative thought is the carrying of the cross, which is a penance many preform especially on pilgrimage. The last mile of the pilgrimage to walsingham, which is traditionall done with feet bare, is harsh but uplifting.