The Life of Virtue

Several years ago, a band by the name of FUN. came out with a song entitled "We Are Young."  The catchy chorus of that song proceeds: "Tonight/We are young/So let's set the world on fire/we can burn brighter/Than the sun."  The gist these lyrics is that young, vibrant people can or should or will make some major difference in the world.  Moreover, that difference will cause them to "burn brighter than the sun."  It seems that they desire to become stars that will be noticed and remembered by others in this world. St. Catherine of Siena, whose memorial feast the Catholic Church celebrates today, also said something about fire in the world.  The young Dominican exclaimed, "Become who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire."  Perhaps FUN. had St. Catherine in mind when writing the song's chorus, because she was so youthful when she heartily took up her vocation to consecrated life.  Nevertheless, her words are a clarion ...

Human beings are unions of body and soul.  As such, the spiritual portion of a person can be affected by the material portion, and vice versa.  There are many realities in this world that cause damage to persons' bodies and souls.  Reckless anger, over-eating and over-drinking, unchaste sexual activity, violent media, and spiritual laziness all make the list, but they certainly do not exhaust it.  Any of these actions, whether primarily "of the spirit" (i.e., the intellect or memory) or "of the flesh" can adversely affect a person's body and soul.  The natural and passionate desires that humans have must be mitigated if we are to live robust and joyful lives. This is why temperance is a great good for humanity.  Temperance is the virtue that assists a person in maintaining moderation and balance in the use and consumption of created goods; and it helps to keep in check the first instincts of our appetites and desires (see CCC 1809 ).  By temperance...