Anger

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Defender23

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Hello,

I have a question about the sin of anger. Earlier today, I was having an online discussion with another Catholic poster (whom I’ve never met) on the Church’s teachings. I showed this poster Catechism quotes proving the Church’s teachings, but he still ignored him. I was showing the discussion to my girlfriend later, and I became very angry at this other online Catholic poster while talking to my girlfriend, and I called him a few curse words (while talking to my girlfriend - I didn’t curse at the other poster directly). I should mention that I didn’t use God’s name in vain, and I didn’t want to hurt him - I just strongly disliked him and was infuriated with him for a few moments. Afterwards, I realized I shouldn’t be angry. I apologized to my girlfriend for becoming angry and for being a bad example, and I said an act of contrition. I don’t want to become that angry at anyone again for any reason.

Did I commit a mortal sin? I’m going to confess this sin to a priest during my next confession, but in the meantime, I would like to know for my own comfort whether or not I’m in mortal sin. I don’t know what the Church teaches about this type of anger.

Thanks for your help! God Bless.
 
All I can offer you is “Do not let the sun go down on your anger” (while you are still angry).

Anger is a normal response. Its when we hold on to it that it begins to control us and may even lead to other sin. As a Catholic the advice we usually get for anger is to pray for the person you were angry with, offer up a Hail Mary.

Sometimes I get angry with other folks too, especially over social and political issues. And sometime I wonder if I am letting this site be a near occasion of sin for me. But it would be all internet posting really, because the internet has brought a whole new world of uncivil discourse into our lives, hasn’t it? 😉
 
Thank you very much! You offer some very helpful advice for not getting angry at people in the future. And I agree, it can be hard to remain calm during moral discussions. However, do you have any idea if the kind of anger I had was a mortal sin or not? Thanks so much again!
 
Remember to commit a mortal sin one needs grave matter, full knowledge and complete consent.

At the moment of your anger…

Did it even cross your mind that such could be grave??
 
You need to talk to your priest. You sound a bit scrupulous in your description of what occurred.
 
More from the Catechism:

2302 By recalling the commandment, “You shall not kill,” our Lord asked for peace of heart and denounced murderous anger and hatred as immoral.

Anger is a desire for revenge. “To desire vengeance in order to do evil to someone who should be punished is illicit,” but it is praiseworthy to impose restitution “to correct vices and maintain justice.” If anger reaches the point of a deliberate desire to kill or seriously wound a neighbor, it is gravely against charity; it is a mortal sin. The Lord says, “Everyone who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment.”

2262 In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord recalls the commandment, “You shall not kill,” and adds to it the proscription of anger, hatred, and vengeance. Going further, Christ asks his disciples to turn the other cheek, to love their enemies. He did not defend himself and told Peter to leave his sword in its sheath.

and:

scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a5.htm#1764
 
1ke said:
You need to talk to your priest. You sound a bit scrupulous in your description of what occurred.
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I agree. I think you have an scrupulous mind. Don’t miss communion because of that. Jesus wants to come to our hearts to strenthen them, and gets sad when we avoid him because of scrupulousity. Met your priest before Mass to quite your soul.
If you don’t have time to talk to him, make an act of contrition, that you are very sorry, receive Jesus, and talk later to your priest. I can’t find it, but in Saint Faustina’s Diary, “Divine Mercy” she talks about this. I’ll try to find it tomorrow. God bless you.
 
mariamar said:
I agree. I think you have an scrupulous mind. Don’t miss communion because of that. Jesus wants to come to our hearts to strenthen them, and gets sad when we avoid him because of scrupulousity. Met your priest before Mass to quite your soul.
If you don’t have time to talk to him, make an act of contrition, that you are very sorry, receive Jesus, and talk later to your priest. I can’t find it, but in Saint Faustina’s Diary, “Divine Mercy” she talks about this. I’ll try to find it tomorrow. God bless you.
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I got the “Divine Mercy” number, 612: One time I was in doubt as to whether what had happened t o me had seriously offended the Lord Jesus or not. As I could not solve this doubt I made up my mind not to go to Communion before first going to confession. (…) I was several days not receiving Holy Communion. After confession I received Holy Communion, and I saw the Lord Jesus who said to me, **Know, My daughter, that you caused Me more sorrow by not uniting yourself with Me in Holy Communion than you did by that small transgression. **
 
Thank you so much for the posts, everyone! I sincerely appreciate your help. You are all such wonderful examples of Christ’s love. Bookcat, thank you very much for all the Catechism references, that was especially helpful! Mariamar, I sincerely appreciate your help as well and the quote from Christ from St. Faustina’s Diary! And Jimjack, the cartoon was very funny! Thank you all so much again! You will be in my prayers 😃
 
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