40 Days of Lent: Day 23

40 Days of Lent: Day 23

Perhaps some of us are not as comfortable with being angry as we are with other emotions that we feel. Indeed, anger can be something to be wary of for it can result in negative effects. It can cause unhealthy thoughts. It can unleash violent actions. It can destroy relationships. It can change a person we know to someone who can seem so different.

While the scriptures may not have described it clearly as such, Jesus was not spared from feeling anger. Perhaps one incident in which we witness this was when he overturned the tables at the temple upon seeing it made into a money-making venture, even driving people out. Here, we clearly realize what caused him to be very angry: the obvious disrespect for his Father’s house, the incorrect practices in what should have been a holy place, and the fact that some were taking advantage of believers by making profit from them. And for these reasons, Jesus was not wrong in being angry. If he had not shown how he felt, others would not have realized what they were doing.

Anger as an emotion can be a compass to see where we are, what we value and what we can do. While it can lead to harmful actions, we can always make better choices once we feel it. In fact, being angry in the right way can be the starting point to clarify to our self and other people what is important, to pave the way for making things better, and to effect radical change. Looking at the realities of our present time and your current situation, what causes you to be angry? And what can you do for the good coming from this anger? As we go deep into this feeling, we beg for the Father’s guidance so we may properly navigate this human emotion. We ask for Jesus’ courage so we can take rightful steps. And we hope for the Spirit’s gentleness that we may remain kind even as we experience anger.