Evils of Anger

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Tenth Week :  Thursday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:20-26*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 3:15-4:1, 3-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14*

*Evils of Anger*

*1) Anger is the Seed of Violence*

Jesus reveals that anger is the interior root of murder.

While the Law forbade external acts of violence, Jesus calls for purity of heart.

Anger leads to hatred, resentment, and division, which are contrary to the kingdom of God.

“Do not let the sun go down on your anger... and give no opportunity to the devil.”

(Ephesians 4:26–27)

*2) Anger Destroys Relationships*

Angry outbursts and insults ("Raca" or "You fool") damage the dignity of others and break the bonds of communion.

Jesus highlights that even words of contempt have moral weight.

The Christian life calls for reconciliation, not retaliation.

“The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20)

*3) Anger Blocks Our Worship*

As seen in Matthew 5:23–24, unreconciled anger invalidates our worship.

Reconciliation is not optional—it is urgent and spiritually necessary.

Worship with a heart full of anger is displeasing to God.

A heart filled with anger is not ready to encounter God.

*4) Anger as a Gateway to Sin*

Anger opens the heart to other sins: envy, pride, bitterness, revenge.

It often leads to verbal abuse, gossip, slander, or even physical violence.

Jesus’ teaching reflects a call to self-mastery and interior holiness.

*5) Anger Opens the Door to the Enemy*

“Come to terms quickly with your accuser...” (Mt 5:25)

Prolonged anger gives the devil a foothold (cf. Ephesians 4:26–27).

It keeps the soul in a state of unrest, blocks grace, and allows evil thoughts to grow.

Jesus urges quick reconciliation, knowing that prolonged anger leads to spiritual hardening.

*6) The Way of the Kingdom: Meekness and Forgiveness*

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Mt 5:5)

The Sermon on the Mount teaches the opposite of anger: meekness, mercy, and peace.

Spiritual greatness lies not in overpowering others but in humbling oneself, letting go of pride, and forgiving.

*6) Spiritual Response to Anger*

Practice meekness and patience (cf. Matthew 5:5 – “Blessed are the meek”).

Seek reconciliation quickly (cf. Matthew 5:25).

Ask for the grace to forgive as Christ forgave.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

(Ephesians 4:32)

*7) Final Thought*

Jesus does not merely prohibit murder; He goes to its spiritual root: anger.

He invites us to live not just by external righteousness, but by interior transformation. 

The evils of anger include broken relationships, spiritual stagnation, and distance from God.

The Gospel of peace demands hearts free from rage and full of mercy.

Reconciliation is not optional; it is a precondition for authentic worship.

The altar represents a sacred space of communion with God—approaching it requires inner harmony with our neighbors.

In liturgical life, the Sign of Peace before the Eucharist echoes this very teaching.

Forgiving and being forgiven prepares the heart to receive God’s grace and presence worthily.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*