Jesus' Teaching o Anger

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Sixth Week :  Sunday**

*Gospel :  Mt 5:17-37*

*First Reading : Sir 15:15-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : 119: 1-2; 4-5,17-18; 33-34*

*Second Reading :1 Cor 2:6-10*

*Jesus' Teaching o Anger*

*1) Jesus o Anger* 

He teaches that: Sin begins in the heart. Anger is the seed of violence. Reconciliation is more important than ritual worship.

It is not merely about avoiding physical murder — it is about removing the inner poison that leads to it.

*2) The Danger of Anger According to Jesus*

*A) Anger Leads to Judgment* : Jesus equates uncontrolled anger with moral guilt. It separates us from God and from others.

*B) Anger Dehumanizes Others* : Using insults (“Raca,” “fool”) strips others of dignity. Anger turns people into enemies instead of brothers and sisters.

*C) Anger Blocks Worship* : Jesus says if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember someone has something against you, go and reconcile first. → Reconciliation comes before religion.

*D) Anger Escalates* : Unresolved anger grows: irritation to resentment, resentment to  hatred, hatred to destruction

*3) Ultimately, What Does Anger Do to Us?* 

Hardens the heart

Distorts judgment

Feeds pride

Breaks peace

Damages relationships

Separates us spiritually

Anger makes us react instead of reflect.

*4) What Do We Lose by Anger?* 

Peace of mind

Healthy relationships

Spiritual intimacy

Credibility and trust

Emotional stability

*5) Relevance to Our Life Today* 

*In modern life*: Social media fuels outrage. Political divisions amplify hostility. Family conflicts escalate quickly.

*Jesus’ teaching is radical because it asks us to*: Examine the heart, not just behavior. Seek reconciliation quickly. Value people over pride.

*It challenges us to replace*: revenge with forgiveness, insult with understanding, retaliation with mercy

*6)  Points to Ponder*

*Anger reveals what we love* : Often we get angry when our ego, control, or expectations are threatened.

*Anger is easier than humility* : Reconciliation requires courage and vulnerability.

*Anger promises strength but produces weakness* : It feels powerful in the moment but leaves emptiness afterward.

*Jesus calls for interior transformation* : Christianity is not only about outward obedience but inward purity.

*Peace begins in the heart* : If anger is not healed inside, it will appear outside.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*