In his last public catechesis of January, Pope Francis paused to reflect on anger. He said it is one of the most “visible” of the human vices, since it “transforms our countenance and puts our whole body in a state of restlessness.”
To remedy it, the Pope spoke of two “recipes” proposed in the Bible: reconciliation and prayer.
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN ENGLISH:
Dear brothers and sisters:
In our catechesis on the virtues and vices, we now consider “wrath”, the uncontrolled anger that may well begin with brooding over offenses received, but ends up being self-destructive and damaging to our relationships with others, leading ultimately to violence and even war. Jesus teaches us to forgive those who sin against us, while Saint Paul urges us never to let the sun set on our anger. Yet there is an appropriate kind of anger, which consists in righteous indignation before evil and injustice. As with all the passions, so too with anger: it is up to us, with the sustaining grace of the Holy Spirit, to govern and direct our emotions in order to serve God’s kingdom of reconciliation, justice and peace.
I greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience,especially those coming from the United States of America. Upon all of you, and upon your families, I invoke the joy and peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
CA
TR: KG
