How to Choose the Best Penance During Lent?

by Luis Solorzano

Lent is a special time for reflection, conversion, and spiritual preparation. Many people wonder: What is the best penance or mortification I can do during Lent? The answer lies in choosing practices that help us combat our bad inclinations and bring us closer to God. Let’s explore principles and examples to guide this choice.

The Principle of St. Ignatius: Agere Contra

St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches us the concept of agere contra, meaning “to act against.” This principle suggests that the most effective penance is one that directly opposes our predominant fault and the negative tendencies of the environment we live in. It’s not about picking a random penance but rather choosing something that truly challenges our personal and societal weaknesses.

For example:

If your tendency is gluttony, mortify your palate.
If you struggle with curiosity, practice mortification of the eyes or tongue.
If your environment promotes vulgarity or lack of decorum, adopt practices that reinforce dignity and respect.

Types of Mortifications

There are various forms of mortification, ranging from simple to more challenging. Here are some suggestions:

Mortification of the Senses

Palate: Avoid repeating a favorite dish or deprive yourself of something legitimate to strengthen self-control.
Eyes: Control your gaze by avoiding unnecessary advertisements or content, even if they are not immoral. This helps develop discipline and resistance to temptation.

Mortification of the Intellect

Humbly accepting what we cannot fully understand about faith or God’s plans is also a form of mortification. Submitting to God’s will without constant questioning demonstrates trust and virtue.

Mortification in Prayer

Overcoming fatigue or boredom during prayer is another valuable practice. Even when immediate spiritual pleasure is absent, persevering in prayer becomes a meaningful sacrifice.

Mortification of the Tongue

Practicing silence when possible or avoiding gossip are effective ways to control this aspect. It helps cultivate a more focused and recollected spirit.

Mortification of the Heart

Identifying and cutting ties or habits that distance us from God can be difficult but essential for maintaining inner purity.

The Importance of Small Sacrifices

Small daily sacrifices hold great spiritual value. They not only strengthen our resistance to temptation but also have a reparative character, helping us satisfy part of divine justice for past faults.

Penances Most Pleasing to God

The penance most pleasing to God is one that directly challenges our personal bad tendencies or the negative influences around us. For example:

If you struggle with gossip, focus on mortifying your tongue.
If you live in an environment marked by superficiality, practice actions that promote depth and authenticity.

Conclusion

Lent invites us to profound inner transformation. Choosing penances based on the principle of agere contra helps us grow spiritually and please God more deeply. Remember: it’s not about suffering for suffering’s sake but about overcoming our bad inclinations and preparing for a full life in Christ.

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