SUBJECTION OF THE SENSES

Subjection of the senses (“mortification of the flesh”) has been a traditional means of subduing disordered desires, overcoming temptations or atoning for sins. St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:27, “But I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway.” (Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition) St. James warns in his letter,  "But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it;  then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved." (James 1:14-16 NRSVCE)

However, it is important to note that subjection of our senses is an aid to growing in holiness and not the goal. Holiness is attained through love, not self-denial. It is best practiced in moderation; or else, it may lead to pride and scrupulosity. It is meant to supplement, not replace, fasting and almsgiving which are the most valued ascetic practices. It should draw us closer to Christ, crucified for our sins. “It is getting rid of self in order to allow Jesus to live his life in us, and to enable us to share His life fully.”¹

Each of our external senses is a potential object for subjection, especially those which have led us to sin previously. St. Francis de Sales notes that the opportunities for subjection that come to us from God or with His permission, are more precious than those which are the offspring from our own will. So, it is wise to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit before beginning and to be alert to opportunities that present themselves.

Finally, as an act of love, we should have clarity about why, for whom, or for what we are offering, each instance of subjection we undertake. 

The card below contains suggested options for subjecting each sense. We encourage you to let the Lord lead you and build on these ideas. The scripture verses that accompany each sense are the “Sword of the Spirit” to break through the bonds that might restrain us.

Why this topic and why now? In a word, comfort. We live in a place and time of great physical comfort. If left unchecked, the desire to stay comfortable will enslave us. Our desires will become like undisciplined children, always screaming for what they want. Nothing removes us further from Christ’s sacrifices for us, than physical comfort.

¹ Guidance in Spiritual Direction, Rev. Charles Hugo Doyle

One of our brothers in Christ, shared the following thoughts regarding God’s good intentions for each of our senses. We invite you to reflect on these as well:

Our loving Father has created us and gifted us if you will with these senses to live fully as human beings created in His image and likeness. Using them or abusing them is a choice of free will. Our Holy Catholic faith invokes all the senses in our worship to draw us closer to God. The senses are the Lord’s gifts to show us all that is good, true and beautiful. A tangible way for humanity to try to understand eternity. In the philosophy and theology of our bodies our senses are gifts to draw us upward to the Lord on our path to sanctity and eternity with him. – IHS/CJE

Sight -  See what is true, good and beautiful in all creation especially in other people and give God thanksgiving, praise and glory.

Hearing - Listen with the heart, intellect, and your ears. Listen to things that are edifying that build up and raise your soul to heaven. Practice more silence; so, when you hear, you hear more fully and deeply. Try to listen twice as much as speaking. Try to ruminate on what is said before responding. 

Taste -  Remember to seek and then find God in the gift of providential sustenance. Do not lament what you don't have but be grateful for what you do have.

Smell –  Let God come to your mind as you smell the beauty of His creation in nature, with gratitude for His gifts. Contemplate the purpose and meaning as the Lord created them for the Good.

Touch -  The most powerful in the hierarchy of senses. Therefore, it carries the weight of being the most blessed and the most cursed. Within it the greatest Love is held. Christ himself touches us in a very real way; beyond comprehension, when we receive Him in the Holy Eucharist. Recall also the Love and power of the uniting procreative marital embrace. It is necessary for love, for healing. It is life sustaining for our time in these bodies. Touch must be respected and guarded.

The task and challenge to all this is to first become aware and then put into practice a diligent sustained effort of living in "right order" as God created us. It can only be done through God's grace; so, we must surrender ourselves to Him.

The Seven Lively Virtues

THE SEVEN LIVELY VIRTUES

They are called the Lively Virtues because each of them counters one of the Seven Deadly Sins: Humility offsets Pride, Generosity  offsets Greed/Avarice, Chastity  offsets Lust, Meekness and Patience, offset Anger, Temperance  offsets Gluttony, Kindness  offsets Envy, Diligence/Zeal offsets Sloth/Acedia. 

Our efforts to overcome one of these persistent vices or weaknesses should include not just an attempt to reduce the vice but to grow in its offsetting virtue. Frequent reflection on related scripture verses, “The Sword of the Spirit” can help break the bonds that bind us. Be aware though, of two traps that we can fall into in our desire to grow in holiness: trying to fix everything at once or despair at our frequent failings and apparent lack of progress. 

The enemy can twist our good intention of wanting to be more virtuous by trying to convince us to take on more than he knows we can handle. Be prudent and don’t attempt to fix all your faults at the same time. Select one to work on, ideally let the Lord select it for you and work on it for a time before switching to the next one. 

The Lord does not judge us on our success but on our efforts. He knows our hearts. Growing in virtue is not a steady climb upwards but a series of ups and downs. When we fail, and we will fail, remember the words of Brother Lawrence, “Nunc Coepi,” or “Now I Begin,” and start the climb again. 

In both situations, patience is the virtue that will ultimately yield the results we desire. So, ask the Lord for help and discernment of what to work on each day. Use this card and the accompanying scripture verses to strengthen your resolve and aid your efforts to grow in virtue. We will be praying for your success.