Mortification is a method of bringing oneself under control. It allows you to be more in tune with your intellect instead of your emotions. It is a way to achieve self-mastery. Mortification means “putting to death” through self-denial old habits that stand in the way of being what Matthew Kelly calls “the best-version-of-yourself.” The best-version-of-yourself is another way of “being perfect (whole and complete) as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
“The man who has not learned to mortify (put to death old bad habits) himself, has within himself the enemies of peace and goodness. He is easily around against those who thwart or oppose his selfish desires. He sees the obligations of others, but he remains blind to his own. He blames little things in others, while he excuses bigger faults in himself (The Confraternity of the Precious Blood, http://confraternitypb.org)."
Jesus says what He means and means what He says. "Could you not keep watch for one hour (Mark 14:37-42)?" Why one hour? Why not more or why not less? Knowing He knew well our human nature, Jesus wasn't asking Simon for something that he could not achieve. Jesus' use of the words "keeping watch" is another interesting part of this passage. When you minimally interpret "keeping watch" as meaning "time of prayer” I take away the length of time for which you should "keep watch" daily. One hour of prayer a day. Sounds like a lot. But prayer is essential to mortification.
If you want to be the best at anything it takes practice and discipline. Athletes understand this; musicians understand this. Prayer also takes practice and it also takes discipline. But isn’t following Christ take discipline? Christ himself was the perfect example of discipline. He was in total control of himself at all times. He never lost control while he was preaching. He never lost control on his way to Calvary.
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