Today Cardinal Sarah talks about renunciation and asceticism. In other words, self-discipline and avoidance from the things that keep us from being with God. How often do we want to indulge in things of this world to make us feel better?
During Lent we are called to abstain from eating meat on Fridays, we can also deny ourselves from something that we enjoy and lift that sacrifice up for God. But, it shouldn’t only be during Lent, we should deny ourselves from the things that separate us from God, such as sin.
Cardinal Sarah also states that if man does not mortify himself, he remains outside of God.
The most common definition of mortification is embarrassment and shame. However, that is not what Cardinal Sarah is talking about. He means subduing one’s bodily desires, the desires of the flesh which separate us from the love of God.
Why is mortification so hard? For me because I want what I want, and I often forget the consequences of those earthly desires. You see it on tv, you can have the best, newest and most expensive things, but does it really fulfill your desires. Maybe for the moment but the love of God can fulfill that desire for ever.
Take way; What keeps you outside of God? How can you practice self-discipline in order to enter into the silence of your heart with God?
