Sacrifice and Self-Denial

          Following the blog post about Matrimony, I would like to talk about sacrifice and self-denial. In the Church, there is a word that means to seek holiness through self-denial. This word is mortification. As Christians, we must practice mortification in our daily lives so that we may strengthen our bodies against the temptations to sin and thus strengthen our souls as well. We can strengthen our resolve to not sin by practicing self-control and avoiding anything that may cause us to sin.
          Mortification does not simply involve not sinning, but avoiding anything that may even tempt us to sin. One common example of this is to avoid looking at someone not dressed appropriately so that you are not later tempted to commit a sexual sin. This also includes not watching shows in which promote these immoral actions. Another example is not joining in conversations in which the people are gossiping. If you happen to hear some of the gossip, do not tell anyone because you hurt both the person whom you are gossiping about and yourself in the end (eventually you will regret spreading the gossip once the person being gossiped about gets hurt). One important thing to not do, which many people do in today's culture, is listen to inappropriate music. Today, there are many songs that talk about all these immoral actions and make them sound good and common. The common part is true, but the good is not. We must live our live according to the path we choose, and if we get married then the act of sex should only be practiced with your partner.
           Self-denial involves practicing common virtues. This may include being willing to help someone even though it may slightly inconvenience you are simply being patient while in a long line for something minimalistic. One of the simplest things may be remembering to pray every day (and then praying). Attending mass on a complicated weekend is also a good example.