‘Temperance is 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. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: "Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart" (Sirach 5:2). Temperance is often praised in the Old Testament: "Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites" (Sir. 18:30). In the New Testament it is called "moderation" or "sobriety." We ought "to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world." (Titus 2:12).
To live well is nothing other than to love God with all one's heart, with all one's soul and with all one's efforts; from this it comes about that love is kept whole and uncorrupted (through temperance). No misfortune can disturb it (and this is fortitude). It obeys only [God] (and this is justice), and is careful in discerning things, so as not to be surprised by deceit or trickery (and this is prudence).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1809.
Temperance Sunday Mass on RTÉ TV & Radio at 11am will include prayers for all who are in treatment for addiction, for their families and for those who are in recovery.
The Pioneer website www.pioneers.ie carries information for parishioners who wish to take the Lenten pledge.
Homily Points from this Sunday’s Gospel
“Turning the other cheek”; “giving the shirt off our back”; “walking the extra mile.” Relatives and friends of many peopl have "turned the other cheek” too often because of broken promises and relapse into addiction. They would give the shirt off their back - or even the roof off their house - if they could help a child, a spouse, a friend to “go on the dry”. They have driven the extra mile to Primary Care centres seeking help, advice and treatment Temperance Sunday is a day of prayer for them and for all who live under the shadow of addiction. We pray also for counsellors and staff in Primary Care Centres who help their relations towards recovery. Prayer of the Faithful We pray a blessing from Heaven on all families and individuals who are struggling because of addiction or substance abuse. We pray for all who receive spiritual support from Pioneers, the AA programme and NA meetings as they work one day at a time to maintain their resolutions. Lord, hear us.