Hey there,
There’s a lifestyle movement that’s been growing in popularity for several years called Minimalism. It’s the idea that less is more. Clean out those closets. Get rid of all the excess clutter. Own fewer possessions.
You’ve probably seen the hype about the tiny house movement as well. People are moving into 100 to 400 square foot homes.
Then there’s the occasional Smart Car you see on the road. You know, the little “toy” cars that are so small they look like they shouldn’t even be allowed on the road.
Is temperance making a comeback?
Temperance is one of our four Cardinal Virtues alongside Prudence, Justice, and Fortitude.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1809) describes temperance as
“The moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable.”
We tend to think of temperance in terms of moderation of food, drink, and sex. But it’s really much more than that.
This week’s Genuflect looks at the Cardinal Virtue of Temperance, what it is and entails, how to acquire more of it in our life and in our relationships, and how it applies to modern things like technology.
I don’t know if temperance is making a comeback in our culture, but for us Catholics, it never left. And we can ensure we practice temperance in our lives, regardless of whether it’s the latest social movement fad or not.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. Today is the Feast Day of Saint Mary Magdalene. In her honor, we also look at her role in Jesus’ life and consider whether Mary Magdalene’s reputation as a prostitute is warranted.
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Temperance Explained
If you’ve never read much about temperance, or if you need a refresher, this is a great place to start. This overview of the Cardinal Virtue does a great job of defining it, explaining how it relates to the other Cardinal Virtues, and looking at the various forms of intemperance in our lives.
Temperance | Catholic News Agency
Acquiring More Temperance
We often think of temperance as moderation in food, drink, and sex. And while that’s not wrong, Russell Shaw explains that we should view it in even broader terms. Here’s how we can apply more of this virtue in our lives, despite the pressures thrown at us by the modern world.
Temperance in The Modern World | Our Sunday Visitor
Path to Temperance
We are encouraged to want more and more of everything. It’s a “go big or go home” culture. But it’s actually when we practice moderation that we enjoy things more. Here are 3 ways to start on the path to temperance.
The Cardinal Virtues: Temperance | The Catholic Gentleman
Increase Your Temperance
You’ve heard the story a million times of the rich man who has everything he could ever want, but is miserable. It’s because moderation is the true key to happiness. Here are 3 ways to increase your temperance.
Growing in Temperance | Good Confession
Temperance And Relationships
You may not think too much about how temperance applies to your relationships with other people. But it’s a good idea to use this Cardinal Virtue to elevate them toward the good. Here are 4 ways to apply temperance to interpersonal relationships for success.
Temperance And The Working Mom | The Catholic Mom
Temperance on The Decline
Temperance is not a word you hear much in normal conversation. It seems society has completely turned its back on temperance. Cecily Lowe examines why temperance, and other virtues like purity and freedom are on the decline.
Are Virtues Like Purity, Freedom, And Temperance Antiquated? | Catholic Stand
Temperance And Technology
Temperance has been around for a long time, though we don’t talk about it much. But have you stopped to consider that beyond the traditional food, drink, and sex, there are more recent things that may require more temperance in our lives? Like technology.
Temperance And Technology | Catholic Stand
Catholic Recovery
Our youth are dying at an astounding rate to drugs, alcohol, mental illness, and suicide. Here’s how faith plays a role in recovery and some Catholic recovery programs.
Can The Catholic Church Help an Addicted Generation? | Catholic News Agency
The Real Mary Magdalene
When you hear the name Mary Magdalene you probably think about a sinful woman who repented and followed Jesus. But was she a prostitute as she’s been described to be over the centuries?
Was Mary Magdalene a Prostitute? | Aleteia
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