A hinge is a type of bearing that connects two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them. Two objects connected by an ideal hinge rotate relative to each other about a fixed axis of rotation. Hinges may be made of flexible material or of moving components. Similar objects that work with hinges are door hinges and closet doors. In biology, many joints function as hinges. A hinge joint is a bone joint in which the articular surfaces are molded to each other in such a manner as to permit motion only in one plane that is backward and forward the extent of motion at the same time being considerable. The best examples of these joints are the the knee- and ankle-joint, but only allowing very slight side to side movement.
In our spiritual life, there is also a ‘hinge’ which governs our day-to-day activities. This ‘device’ allow us to be aware of our actions in order to put all into proper order. We have to consider that too much of something or too little is not at all good. Too much of rest or sleep makes us lazy and does not contribute to our life especially as religious in an active life. Less time for resting is not also beneficial for it will not give us the proper composure to work or do things because of exhaustion. Virtus in medio stat (Virtue always stands in the middle). This ‘hinge’ is presented to us as the virtue of Temperance.
Temperance as one of the cardinal virtues, is presented as self-control and the custody of the heart—the moderation of the inclinations and passions, a constant effort to be balanced and reasonable, and a break with earthly attractions not by going away from them but by staying among them with the heart under control. In one sense, temperance may be regarded as a characteristic of all the moral virtues; the moderation it enjoins is central to each of them. Thus, it is the virtue which restrains concupiscence or which controls the yearning for pleasures and delights which most powerfully attract the human heart
Temperance as a virtue leads to self-control. It is a ‘hinge’ where other various moderating virtues turn: self-restraint, humility, meekness, clemency, modesty, abstinence, simplicity, and austerity (asceticism): this adds up to an overall attitude of self-control and discipline. In this way, temperance becomes a preparation for the acceptance of many difficult and unpleasant requirements of daily work
“Salesian life considered in its activity work and temperance enlivened by the charity of the heart,” says Blessed Philip Rinaldi. In our tradition, work and temperance are two elements inseparably linked. In Don Bosco’s dream of the ten diamonds, the diamonds of work and temperance on the two shoulders seem to support the mantle of the personage. In the Salesian apostolic life, work and temperance cannot be separated from each other; they have complementary functions of motivation and support. The daily realities of life call on one hand for enthusiasm in our work and on the other for renunciation through temperance; on this side for commitment in our duties and on that for mortification of our self-seeking desires. We see how work and temperance collaborate with each other.
Temperance leads to a healthy balance in everything and not only to the control of the concupiscence. Our father Don Bosco wanted temperance and common sense to be present in work. He also encouraged the Salesians to work as much as one’s health will allow and to keep guard against idleness.
Don Bosco told us that “we learn how to be loved” by those entrusted to our care in the apostolate. From this love would flow a sense of trust from them which will be the ‘cord’ that connects the Salesian to them in order to lead them towards God, the source of all love. Our temperance can be measured also by the effort we make to love by making ourselves be loved. It is temperance which helps us to “remain even-tempered” in the midst of a busy and work-filled day with and for the young. This should spring forth from our personal growth in faith, hope, and charity nourished by the Sacraments and our personal encounter with the Lord.
We are all asked to meditate on the virtue of temperance as we look back into our own life. There can be no better venue for us to develop this virtue but in our daily living. We have Don Bosco as our model. We look up to him as our guide in progressing in this virtue believing in his words that those who practice temperance “is blessed by the Lord and benefits our intelligence and our physical health leading us toward a more orderly and holy life”. Let temperance be the ‘hinge’ in our spiritual journey.
Bro. Vince Michael Sabal
