In the journey to authentic freedom, Jesus sets the standard:
“If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
To follow Christ is to walk the path of self-denial, looking beyond worldly comforts to the perfect love of the Father. This journey requires asceticism—a form of spiritual training that strengthens our interior life and conforms us to the image of Christ.
What Is Asceticism?
Asceticism involves acts of self-denial, allowing us to say “no” to lesser things so we can say “yes” to greater things. It is not about rejecting what is inherently evil (we do that always) but about voluntarily abstaining from good things for a time to sharpen our focus on God and his will for us.
The saints throughout history demonstrate the transformative power of asceticism. St. Jerome cautions us, however, to keep it in perspective:
“Be on your guard when you begin to mortify your body by abstinence and fasting, lest you imagine yourself to be perfect and a saint… It is only a help; a disposition; a means… for the attainment of true perfection.”
Asceticism is a tool, not the goal. True holiness lies in love of God and neighbor, and ascetic practices help us grow in that love.
Why Asceticism Is Essential
In our world of constant indulgence, the practice of asceticism is countercultural. Yet it is essential for:
• Spiritual Growth: Dying to self allows God’s life to grow within us.
• Freedom: By detaching from worldly comforts, we free ourselves to embrace God’s love fully.
• Discipline: Learning to deny ourselves helps us focus on what matters most and prepares us to respond when God calls us to greater acts of love.
Asceticism, as practiced in Exodus 90, humbles us. It reminds us of our dependence on God and the support of our brothers in faith.
The Journey Is Not Perfect—And That’s Okay
The journey of asceticism mirrors the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. Their path to the Promised Land was far from straight, filled with failures, complaints, and detours. Likewise, your Exodus 90 journey will have ups and downs.
• Some Days Will Be Easy: You’ll find success in certain disciplines.
• Some Days Will Be Hard: Other disciplines may challenge you deeply.
And that’s the point. Through the struggles, we are reminded of our need for God’s grace and the encouragement of our fraternity.
Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to the freedom we desire.
The Disciplines of Exodus 90
Over the past decade, the ascetic disciplines of Exodus 90 have borne fruit in the lives of hundreds of thousands of men worldwide. These practices are designed to challenge men of our time, helping them grow in personal freedom and holiness.
If a particular discipline feels overwhelming, consider these tips:
1. Start Small: Ease into the discipline and build over time.
2. Communicate: Share your struggles with your anchor and fraternity for support.
3. Stay Accountable: Lean on your fraternity for encouragement and prayer.
Above all, embrace the disciplines as they are. While modifications for legitimate reasons are fine, striving toward the established standards yields the greatest fruit.
Committing Fully to the Journey
True transformation happens when we commit fully to the path of asceticism. By denying ourselves, we open the door to a deeper relationship with God and greater freedom to love and serve others.
Through this journey, you’ll learn to rely on God’s grace, foster accountability with your brothers, and experience the profound joy of spiritual growth.
Take up your cross daily, and trust that the road—though challenging—leads to true freedom and holiness.
Join tens of thousands of men on this journey. Download the Exodus 90 app today.
