Never be angry—at all; Church Fathers: Day 285

Last updated on: May 13, 2018 at 5:50 am by Pete Socks

Never be angry—at all; Church Fathers: Day 285 2018-05-13T05:50:50-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Anger clouds our judgment, says St. John Cassian. The only way to be safe is to make up our minds not to be angry at all, even when we think we have a good reason.

The athlete of Christ who plays by the rules ought to root out the feeling of wrath completely.

And it will be a sure remedy for this disease, if in the first place we make up our mind that we ought never to be angry at all, whether for good or bad reasons. For we know that we shall immediately lose the light of discernment, and the security of good counsel, and our very uprightness, and the temperate character of righteousness, if the main light of our heart has been darkened by its shadows. We also know that the purity of our soul will presently be clouded, and that it cannot possibly be made a temple for the Holy Ghost while the spirit of anger resides in us.

Finally, we should consider that we never ought to pray, or pour out our prayer to God, while we are angry.

And above all, having before our eyes the uncertain condition of mankind, we should realize daily that we are soon to depart from the body, and that our continence and chastity, our renunciation of all our possessions, our contempt of wealth, our efforts in fasts and vigils—all these things will not help us at all, if solely on account of anger and hatred eternal punishments are awarded to us by the judge of the world.

–St. John Cassian, Institutes, 8.22

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Have I been angry recently for a justifiable reason—at politicians, or other drivers, or inconsiderate clerks?

The next time the same sort of thing happens, will I be able to remember that my anger is under my own control?

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, sow love, peace, and concord toward everyone in my soul, and free my heart from all bitterness.

Remember to subscribe to my feed so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.

Uncategorized

A Year with the Church Fathers

Previous Post

May 12, 2018

Blame yourself for your anger; Church Fathers: Day 284

Next Post

May 14, 2018 Don’t blame your bad mood on someone else; Church Fathers: Day 286

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz