Over these weeks of Lent, I thought we might review the wisdom of the Church’s teaching regarding human behavior in moments of sin and temptation. They’re called the Seven Deadly (Capital) Sins and sooner or later one of them snags all of us. They are: anger, envy, pride, gluttony, lust, sloth, and greed.
Where did this list come from? Long story here. Let’s just say they originated in the mind of theologians and confessors (particularly in the Middle Ages) as they viewed the repeated human experiences of sin. Think of them as “categories” or fountains of particular sinful action. So let’s look at:
Anger: (“a feeling resulting from injury, mistreatment, perceived injustice. Showing itself in a desire to strike out”, says Webster’s). We’ve all felt this uncomfortable emotional state. But is it a sin and why?
St. Thomas Aquinas was helpful when he described anger as a “passion” given to us by God. In the world of nature, it can be a power to protect us against danger. It can at times be a “righteous anger” when some injustice or crime is about to be committed. In these cases, anger stirs our energy and gives the courage to protect a goodness or some innocent person.
But more often, anger comes as a personal experience of some unkindness, frustration, or unfairness. Here is where theologians and saints can help us in dealing with this unwanted feeling. Spiritual guides point to the “virtues” available to us to combat sinful anger. Peace, patience, kindness, understanding, forgiveness, are all the tools love uses to help us deal with anger.
But when does anger become sinful? Several markers help us monitor anger. Is it “excessive”? Does it go beyond the slight or hurt I’ve endured? Does my anger do greater harm than was done to me?
Does my anger sin against Charity? Do I have to seek justice or apology for every perceived wrong done to me? Am I “thin skinned” to where, at any moment, I’m eager to give someone an angry piece of my mind? Charity is ready to forgive hurts even without an apology! Scripture tells us instead to “bear with one another”.
As always, a good model to follow in dealing with anger is Jesus Christ. Did he get angry? You bet. (Read Matthew 21:12ff). He goes into the temple in Jerusalem and throws the money changers out, overturning their tables, and get this . . . he fashioned his belt into a whip to beat any who resisted his furious command. This is Righteous Anger.
But also think of the patience he exhibits as he stands be- fore the high priest, Caiaphas, and is accused of blasphemy against God and conspiring to destroy the temple all lies. Jesus says nothing. This man had 12 legions of angels he could have called on to rectify the injustice be- ing placed on him. But no. He refrained.
Lastly, would any innocent person not have good reason for anger and fury as they suffered the horrible injustice of the Cross? Yet Jesus forgave his executioners as he hung dying.
Overall then, it seems in most occasions, anger should be endured for the sake of charity and in union with the sufferings of Christ. Silence can speak loudly without saying a word. It puts an end to escalating a situation to a more serious level. And you’ve just become a follower of Christ!
Bless your Lent.
Fr. Tim
