In the midst of an often materialistic environment, temperance possesses great apostolic efficacy. It is one of the most attractive examples of Christian life. Wherever we find ourselves, we must strive to always set that example, which will manifest itself with simplicity in our behavior. For many, the exemplary nature of a Christian has been the beginning of a true encounter with the Lord.
A sober life is a mortified and joyful life. We will frequently find mortification in small things that keep the body subject to reason and dispose the soul to understand the things of God. Thus, interior mortification, on one hand, leads to the control of the imagination and memory, pushing away useless or inconvenient thoughts and recollections; it is also manifested in the mortification of the tongue: avoiding, for example, useless and frivolous conversations, gossip, etc.
To walk along the narrow path of temperance, we must also practice the mortification of the external senses: sight, hearing, taste… "The body must be given a little less than what is fair. Otherwise, it betrays you"13. A little less than what is fair in comfort, in whims, etc. Mortifications, in short, in our daily life: "in intense, constant, and orderly work; knowing that the best spirit of sacrifice is perseverance in finishing the work begun with perfection; in punctuality, filling the day with heroic minutes; in the care of the things we have and use; in the desire to serve, which makes us fulfill the smallest duties with exactitude; and in details of charity, to make the path of holiness in the world lovable to everyone: a smile can sometimes be the best sign of our spirit of penance…"14.
The narrow path passes through all the activities of the Christian: from the comforts of the home to the use of work tools and the way of having fun. In rest, for example, it is not necessary to incur great expenses, nor to dedicate excessive hours to sports to the detriment of other duties. A person who knows how to make moderate use of the television/computer and, in general, of the instruments of comfort offered by technology, also sets an example of austerity and temperance.
The narrow path is secure and it is pleasant. And in the midst of that life, which has a certain austere and sacrificial tone, we find joy, because the "Cross is no longer a scaffold, but the throne from which Christ reigns. And by His side, His Mother, who is also our Mother. The Holy Virgin will obtain for you the strength you need to march decisively behind the footsteps of Her Son"15.
HCD