Letting go of anger
From today’s Scripture: “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” —Mt 5:23-24
I can remember many instances as a child where there would be a scuffle over whose turn it was to be on the swing or when someone took the crayon someone else wanted. These trials would sometimes end in tears, name-calling, and on occasion some shoving or hitting. We were always made to stand in the corner until we were ready to say we were sorry. Our mothers and teachers were wise in enforcing the time given to reflect on what we had done, then making us correct our actions by asking forgiveness. These steps de-escalated our anger.
The anger Jesus is speaking about lies deep in our hearts as a festering wound. If left unchecked, it can show itself as hatred, resentment, jealousy, violence, paranoia, self-destruction, and murder. He knows that our actions flow from our heart. If we allow anger in any form to remain in our hearts, it will destroy our relationship with him and with our friends and family. Anger in our hearts requires our immediate attention so that the wound can heal and not fester. We must seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
Let us pray: Lord, I want my heart filled only with your love and mercy. Give me the courage to seek forgiveness when I have hurt someone with my actions or words. Lord, reveal to me those I do not remember hurting so that I can be reconciled with them.
Today’s author is Sister Darlene Presley, Mother Superior of the Glenmary Sisters.
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