PENANCE, PENANCE, PENANCE!

QUESTION? / COMMENT!

I beg you to help me with this question: Is there such a thing as being in so much physical pain on a constant basis due to infirmities, that one is doing penance by suffering through them here on Earth, while still alive?

Our Lady said, "Penance, penance, penance," and so, I am trying to give alms and pray more this Lenten season, and also fasting most every day of the week, yet I still feel that I am not doing enough to remove the residue of forgiven sins, such as taking a cold shower or putting a small pebble in my shoe. I have severe arthritis and it is unrelenting. I also have 2 muscle disorders too. Someone offered to me the advice that some people are already doing their purgatory while here on Earth. I am getting very confused as to what I need to be doing for penance other than the confessional right now. Is there such a thing as doing penance through no act of the will, but rather due to physical diseases? And is there such a thing as doing purgatory while still alive?

ANSWER! / COMMENT!

MORNING OFFERING

O Jesus, Through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for the intentions of your most Sacred Heart, the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the reunion of all Christians.  I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and all the apostles of prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month – Amen.

Medical problems because of getting old are a form of suffering so long as you intentionally say the above prayer every morning, that way every ache and pain is been offered to God as penance. Also you must be in a state of grace for the penance to be meritorious in the sight of God. All Catholics are required to do some type of penance every friday according to the 1983 Code of Canon Law.