The Art of Sacrificial Discipline

Your Lenten Guide to 7 Manly Penances

Men,

The Lenten season is already underway! By now, you’ve probably begun your sacrifices, and maybe you’ve already struggled with them. That’s okay—this article isn’t just about suffering. It’s about suffering WELL. Yes, that might seem like a grim topic, but we’ll push through it for the salvation of our souls.

Many men traditionally give up things like alcohol, morning coffee, leisurely smoking habits, and, of course, a good, hearty steak on Fridays. These are noble sacrifices, but after almost a decade of participating in Lent, I’ve found that none of it is easy. Even the smallest sacrifice can break a man if his heart isn’t in it.

Within the framework of Catholic manhood, the concept of sacrifice—of “giving up”—resonates deeply in the masculine soul. Maybe it awakens in us a competitive spirit, a challenge to overcome, a test of fortitude and discipline.

But time and time again, the “masculine” approach to Lent falls short. Fasting and giving up comforts is NOT about proving our strength or worthiness. And let’s be honest—many of us have already faltered in our Lenten commitments.

Failure is not the enemy. Giving up is.

If you’ve slipped up already, don’t think your Lent is ruined. Quite the opposite! The three pillars of Lent—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—are about discipline and self-denial, not perfection. Lent is about dying to ourselves, uniting our sacrifices with Christ, eliminating sin, and ultimately increasing our capacity to LOVE.

God is perfect love. And through this love, He grants us grace and forgiveness—things we could never deserve on our own.

"Renounce yourself in order to follow Christ; discipline your body; do not pamper yourself, but love fasting." – St. Benedict

Here are 7 Manly Penances to take on this Lent. If you’ve already fallen short, get back up and lean into the discipline.

1. Be Authentic

Give up sham motivations! Get in touch with the essence of Lent. Reflect on your final things—your death and eternity. Lent isn’t about self-improvement for vanity’s sake. It’s about preparing your soul for Heaven.

2. Goodbye Red Meat

Giving up meat on Fridays shouldn’t turn into an excuse to gorge on seafood feasts. Consider giving up all red meat for Lent. Let it be a true denial of comfort, an act of self-discipline that strengthens your soul.

3. Be Intentional

To hell with Lenten laziness! Commit to the three pillars—prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Read Scripture. Go to Confession more often. Take up a devotion like the Stations of the Cross. Know thyself.

4. Be Specific

Don’t just give up food. Give up fast food, sugar, or screen time. Hide the TV remote if you have to. Make your sacrifices concrete and measurable.

5. Give Up Your Time

Instead of wasting weekends on mindless entertainment, give up your time for others. Serve the poor, visit the sick, spend intentional time with your family. Sacrifice should hurt—if it doesn’t, you’re doing it wrong.

6. Don’t Be a Jerk – Lessons in Humility

Lent isn’t just about what you give up but how you treat others. Do you curse often? Hold onto anger? Look down on others? Root out these habits and replace them with humility and generosity. Pay it forward.

7. Don’t Do It Alone

Forget the rugged individualism. Get an accountability partner and check in regularly. Keep each other honest and focused. Lent is not a solo mission.

The Point of Lent

Lent is about discipline, sacrifice, and conversion. It’s about getting back up when we fall, repenting, and striving to live in communion with Christ. Put on the new man and Be the Creed!

Be the Creed

Nick

Catholic Manhood