(1/7) A virtude cardeal da TEMPERANÇA ~ Pe. Paulo Ricardo

Understanding Health and Virtue

The Concept of Health

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of discussing health in a positive light, framing it not as a disease but as a state of being.

• There will be seven lectures focusing on virtues: four cardinal virtues and three theological virtues.

• Virtue is often misunderstood; it is not merely about heroism or strict morality but about embodying the ideal human state envisioned by God.

Human Condition and Sin

• The speaker reflects on the reality that no one has ever encountered a fully healthy person, highlighting our shared sinful nature.

• Acknowledges that while we meet Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, everyday interactions do not reveal complete humanity due to sin.

Revelation through Christ

• The Second Vatican Council states that Jesus reveals what it means to be truly human, which may seem strange yet is essential for understanding our nature.

• Reference to John 1:13 illustrates that while God is unseen, Jesus provides insight into both divine and human identity.

Understanding Virtues

• An analogy compares humans to albinos who have never seen colored skin; similarly, we have never seen true humanity untainted by sin.

• Virtue is described as fulfilling our divine potential rather than an act of heroism; it's about becoming who God intended us to be.

Types of Virtues

• Introduction to seven virtues reflecting God's vision for humanity; distinctions are made between theological and cardinal virtues.

• Theological virtues (faith, hope, love) are gifts from God with Him as their source and object. They require divine grace for existence.

Cardinal Virtues Explained

• Cardinal virtues (prudence, temperance, fortitude, justice) are rooted in human nature and do not necessarily require supernatural intervention.

Understanding Temperance and Balance in Life

The Concept of Temperance

• Temperance is likened to moderation in seasoning food; it emphasizes the importance of balance in life, where excess can lead to negative consequences.

• Jesus is presented as an example of temperance, demonstrating balance by fasting in the desert while also celebrating at weddings, highlighting that moderation is key.

The Consequences of Excess

• Eating excessively can lead to physical death (e.g., heart attacks), illustrating how spiritual issues like gluttony manifest through physical actions.

• Gluttony not only affects physical health but also has spiritual repercussions, diminishing one's ability to appreciate life and its gifts.

Sexuality and Its Regulation

• Just as excessive eating leads to death, unregulated sexual behavior can also result in spiritual and physical demise.

• Engaging in sex without restraint brings about a 'salary of death' within one’s heart, affecting the capacity for genuine desire and connection with God.

The Need for Moderation

• Humans require both acceleration (pleasure) and brakes (restraint); without this balance, disaster may ensue.

• The church's call for abstinence or fasting is not a prohibition but rather a means to cultivate self-control and planning.

Historical Context of Abstinence

• Family planning methods are humorously suggested; abstaining from sex prevents childbirth. This reflects on societal compulsions regarding sexuality and consumption.

• Historically, practices such as Lent involved significant periods of abstinence from meat or sexual relations without dire consequences—indicating that moderation was once more widely accepted.

Modern Challenges with Self-Control

• Today’s society struggles with self-restraint compared to past traditions where people willingly practiced abstinence during Lent.

• Acknowledging current challenges does not imply an immediate return to old practices but highlights a need for recognizing destempero (lack of temperance).

Scientific Insights on Human Limits

• Medical science supports the idea that humans have limits; understanding these limits is crucial for maintaining health and well-being.

Understanding Modern Relationships and Spiritual Health

The Paradox of Sexual Freedom and Happiness

• The speaker notes a significant increase in sexual freedom in Brazil, yet highlights a paradox where people are increasingly unhappy, filling psychological clinics.

• Despite engaging in various sexual activities, individuals do not find the expected happiness, suggesting deeper issues related to spiritual health.

The Role of Spirituality in Relationships

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of viewing sexual relationships as a sacrament that embodies love and divine presence.

• Discusses the impact of sin and illness on spiritual health, referencing his book "Olhar que Cura," which addresses spiritual diseases.

Addressing Spiritual Diseases

• Two specific spiritual ailments discussed are gluttony and lust; both can be cured through the virtue of temperance.

• Encourages reading his book for more insights on these topics, mentioning available resources online for further learning.

Importance of Active Participation in Mass

• Highlights the significance of participating actively in the Holy Mass as a means to connect with divine grace.

• Stresses that what is unseen during Mass holds greater importance than what is visible; true participation involves uniting with Jesus' sacrifice.

Understanding True Participation in Mass

• Clarifies misconceptions about active participation; it is not about physical expressions but rather an internal engagement with Christ's passion.

• Emphasizes that attending Mass is about experiencing the Paschal Mystery—Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection.

Engaging with Christ's Sacrifice

• Invites reflection on personal involvement during Christ's crucifixion as part of understanding one's role within the Eucharistic celebration.

Three Key Actions During Mass

• Outlines three verbs essential for participating in Mass: offer, supplicate, and commune.

• Offer: Present personal struggles or concerns during the Offertory (e.g., family worries).

• Supplicate: Call upon Jesus for strength amidst personal challenges (e.g., emotional burdens).

• Commune: Engage fully with Christ through communion.

Understanding the Role of Misery in the Eucharist

The Nature of Our Indifference

• The speaker reflects on the feeling of offering oneself on the cross and experiencing indifference, leading to a sense of wasted life.

• Emphasizes that our lack of value for this offering is not just a personal failing but a broader societal issue, highlighting a deficiency in compassion and devotion.

Active Participation in Mass

• Introduces two key verbs: "offer" and "supplicate." The act of placing one's misery on the altar symbolizes an essential part of participating in the Eucharist.

• Encourages individuals to offer their miseries silently from their hearts during Mass, emphasizing that active participation does not require elaborate gestures.

The Collective Supplication

• Discusses the dramatic reality of surrendering one’s misery and how it connects with collective supplication from various entities including saints, angels, and souls in purgatory.

• Highlights that even if a priest celebrates alone, there is no solitude during Mass as countless angels join in supplication alongside us.

Communion with God

• Describes communion as an embrace with God where we receive divine grace. This connection is seen as healing for spiritual ailments through active participation in Mass.