I recently came across a helpful distinction when we talk about mortifications.
We think of mortifications as the disciplines or the things we give up—the way we embrace sacrifices during Lent.
But there are actually two kinds: active and passive.
Active mortifications are the things we plan for. The things we choose.
What are we giving up during Lent? What are we going to do extra?
Passive mortifications are different. These are the things that happen to us. The ones we don’t choose.
The flat tire. The sleepless night. The headache that won’t go away.
We don’t plan for these. But they’re still mortifications—still opportunities to die to ourselves, to offer something to God.
But they go hand-in-hand. They’re two sides of the same coin. Accepting both is an important part of Lent.
The same spirit that helps you embrace your chosen fast should help you embrace the unexpected trial.
The same willingness to offer God your deliberate sacrifice should help you offer Him the inconvenient one.
Whether you chose it or it chose you, it’s an opportunity to follow Christ to the cross.
Let us pray.
Lord, help us embrace both the mortifications we choose and the ones we don’t. Give us the grace to offer You our deliberate sacrifices with generous hearts, and the patience to offer You our unexpected trials with the same spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
