Ave Maria series
How do Christians deal with anger?
St. Paul says, “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26).
[2302-2304]
Anger is initially a natural emotion, a reaction to perceived injustice. If anger becomes hatred, however and someone has ill-will toward his neighbor, this normal feeling becomes a serious offense against charity. All uncontrolled anger, especially thoughts of revenge, are detrimental to peace and destroy “the tranquility of order”. 294
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44
Peace
2302 By recalling the commandment, "You shall not kill," (Matthew 5:21.)94 our Lord asked for peace of heart and denounced murderous anger and hatred as immoral. --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition
Anger is a desire for revenge. "To desire vengeance in order to do evil to someone who should be punished is illicit," but it is praiseworthy to impose restitution "to correct vices and maintain justice." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae II-II,158,1 ad 3.)95 If anger reaches the point of a deliberate desire to kill or seriously wound a neighbor, it is gravely against charity; it is a mortal sin. The Lord says, "Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment." (Matthew 5:22.)96--CCC
2303 Deliberate hatred is contrary to charity. Hatred of the neighbor is a sin when one deliberately wishes him evil. Hatred of the neighbor is a grave sin when one deliberately desires him grave harm. "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45.)97--CCC
2304 Respect for and development of human life require peace. Peace is not merely the absence of war, and it is not limited to maintaining a balance of powers between adversaries. Peace cannot be attained on earth without safeguarding the goods of persons, free communication among men, respect for the dignity of persons and peoples, and the assiduous practice of fraternity. Peace is "the tranquillity of order." (St. Augustine, De civ. Dei, 19,13,1:PL 41,640.)98 Peace is the work of justice and the effect of charity. (Compare Isaiah 32:17; compare Gaudium et Spes 78 §§ 1-2.)99–CCC
JT Parables Return of the Prodigal Son
No comments:
Post a Comment