The answer
Asceticism is generally defined as a "life of struggle." It is the rejection of the vainglory of the world that deceives the soul. Living a simple life is how to practice asceticism. If we examine carefully our life we will find that many necessities are in reality not necessities. The ascetic person lives without these so called necessities. Through prayer, fasting, and self-denial the Christian fights temptation to sin and thereby grows in spiritual strength. The Holy Gospel of St. Luke 9:23 states, "Then He said to them all, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me."Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)