Temperance is defined as moderation or voluntary self-restraint. It is typically described in terms of what an individual voluntarily refrains from doing.
This includes restraint from retaliation in the form of non-violence and forgiveness, restraint from arrogance in the form of humility and modesty, restraint from excesses such as splurging now in the form of prudence, and restraint from excessive anger or craving for something in the form of calmness and self-control.
Temperance is one of the six virtues that can be likened to a woman holding two vessels transferring water from one to another. (Temperance connotes patience).
According to Francis Fernandez in his book “ln Conversation With God”, Volume Three, “Temperance is a very effective apostolate weapon when dealing with an all-too- frequently materialistic environment” He encourages us to always make the effort to give the good example the practice of this virtue promotes.
Temperance helps us to control our appetite for food and pleasure. “Temperance is self-mastery”—a self-mastery that is achieved when one is aware that “not everything we experience in our bodies and souls should be given free reign. Not everything that we can do should be done. It is easier to let ourselves be carried away by so-called natural impulses; but this road ends up in sadness and isolation in our own misery.” A temperate life is a life of mortification and joy.
In contrast, temperance, like any other virtue, is fundamentally affirmative. It permits a person to become a master of one ’s self and puts order into one’s emotions and affections, likes and desires.
For us to follow along the narrow path of temperance we have to practice mortification of our external senses , that is , our sight, what we see on the Television or internet or even in the cinema and social media, hearing ,what we hear on radio, from people (gossip), workplace media and public space and even taste, what we eat or drink. Sometimes we need to give our body less of what it is demanding otherwise, these desires will become a problem for us. We have to live the spirit of sacrifice at times in our place of work, homes and community, taking care of the things that we use or the little things in our environment. Thus St. Thomas Aquinas places temperance at the very root of both the sensitive and spiritual life. In fact, if we read the beatitudes attentively we see that, in one way or another, almost all of them are related to this virtue. Without it one cannot see God, nor be consoled, nor inherit the earth and heaven, nor bear injustice patiently. Temperance channels the forces of the human heart to put into practice all the other virtues.
A good example of temperance will be to put into moderation the way we make use of the television and other aids of enjoyment or entertainment that technology makes available for us.
One of the first points of “The Way “ by Saint Josemaria Escrivia, helps to situate the place of temperance in the life of men and women: He said, “Get used to saying no, that it is easier to say yes: to ambition, to the senses but when we have to say No, we are confronted with a struggle, and sometimes defeat”. So for us to live the virtue of temperance, we have to get used to saying No, to win in the struggle because from this internal victory comes peace, and the peace we bring into our homes—into the homes of each other—and into the society will spill over into the whole world.
The intemperate person losses self-control and will be bent on seeking ever new sensations and pleasures. But, when we are temperate, we bear the fruits of serenity and calmness and these make one a true master of ourselves.
Living Temperance with our children (showing them examples)
When parents are raising their children they need sometimes to deny them something they would like to do, it is not uncommon for the children to ask why they cannot follow the latest trend, or spend hours surfing the internet or playing computer games. The first answer can often be simply “because we can’t afford it,” or “because you need to finish your homework,” or what may be a better answer, “because you will end up a slave to your whims.” Besides, parents should teach their children how to live temperately, to lead a Christian life. It’s hard but you have to be courageous, to have the courage to teach them austerity, if not you won’t accomplish anything.”
Firstly, parents need to be courageous in order to personally lead a life of Christian austerity precisely because it is a virtue whose acts are directed to detachment. Secondly, courage is also needed to hold up the virtue of temperance as a desirable lifestyle. Certainly, when the parents live a temperate life it is easier to pass on this virtue to their children.
These are some the ways that we can live temperance;
– In food and Consumption
– In gadgets
– In Clothing’s, shoes and make up etc.
– In what we say, we need to speak with charity.
– In the use of internet and social media.
Living a life of temperance will help us practice moderation in healthy choices and control over excess of some impulse, such as sexual desire, vanity, or anger.
