The Fruits of Mortification: Why Fasting Strengthens the Soul (Lenten Sermon)

About this sermon

In this powerful Lenten sermon, we reflect on the fruits of mortification and why fasting is essential to the Catholic spiritual life. Beginning with a profound prayer composed by Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, this sermon explores how fasting purifies the heart, strengthens the soul, and subdues the unruly passions of the flesh. Drawing from St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis de Sales, St. Paul, St. Catherine of Genoa, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, and others, we learn that mortification is not about punishment — it is about restoring right order within the soul. Mortification is: The struggle against the threefold concupiscence The renunciation of sinful pleasures The avoidance of dangerous occasions of sin The voluntary sacrifice of lawful pleasures The strengthening of the will over the senses As St. Vincent de Paul teaches: “Mortification of the appetite is the ABC of the spiritual life.” In an age obsessed with comfort and pleasure, this sermon reminds us that pleasure is not evil — but it must be subordinated to God’s will. When pleasure becomes the end, sin follows. When it becomes the means, holiness grows. Learn: Why pleasure is never an end in itself How fasting sharpens the soul’s vision Why mortification increases faith, hope, and charity The difference between exterior and interior mortification Practical examples from the lives of the saints If you want to grow in holiness this Lent, this sermon will challenge and inspire you. 🙏 “I chastise my body and bring it into subjection…” — 1 Corinthians 9:27 0:00 Opening Prayer – O Jesus of Nazareth 2:06 Fruits of Mortification Explained 3:56 The ABC of the Spiritual Life – St. Vincent de Paul 4:41 Guarding the Tongue – St. Francis de Sales 5:14 Choosing the Right Mortifications 7:52 The True Nature of Pleasure 9:55 When Pleasure Becomes Sin 11:14 What Mortification Really Is 12:34 Avoiding Near Occasions of Sin 13:02 Abstaining from Lawful Pleasures 14:17 Strengthening the Soul Through Sacrifice 15:19 St. Paul on Chastising the Body 16:36 Exterior vs. Interior Mortification 17:29 St. Vincent de Paul’s Discipline of the Senses 20:14 Mortification of the Tongue 20:14 St. Aloysius Gonzaga and Custody of the Eyes 21:59 St. Catherine of Genoa and Mortification of the Will 22:39 Conclusion & Final Blessing For more please visit http://svfonline.org/ & please say a Hail Mary for the priest 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 #Catholic #Lent #Mortification #Fasting #CatholicSermon #TraditionalCatholic #SpiritualLife #Asceticism #StVincentDePaul #StFrancisDeSales #CustodyOfTheEyes #CatholicTeaching #Penance #ThreefoldConcupiscence #FaithHopeCharity Support Catholic Businesses here - https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ Sensus Fidelium Press - https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ Sensus Fidelium Apps - https://sensusfidelium.tv/ Support Sensus Fidelium - https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Fasting