The Right Use of Lent, Anger and the Church Fathers

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domNoah

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A new series of homilies are available for streaming/download from the Church Fathers.
alleluiaaudiobooks.com/catholic-audiobook-lent-homilies-from-the-church-fathers-vol-4/

Taking up the Cross by St. Augustine.
Unity of the Church by St. Cyprian.
Confession of Sins by St. Augustine.
Anger by St. John Chrysostom.
Right Use of Lent, Forgiveness of Injuries by St. John Chrysostom.
Christ Asleep in the Storm by St. Augustine.
The Good Physician St. Augustine.

A strong theme this week is controlling ones anger. The Fathers do not hesitate to invoke hellfire on those who will not be reconciled with there enemies.
 
I read the proverbs every night before I go to bed,
(there are 28-31 days to the months of the year,
so I read the chapter appropriate to the day of the
month) and the Bible is clear about an angry man,
AVOID him at all costs, or you’ll learn his ways!
I once boarded with an elderly gentleman who
had problems with his anger when younger, but
he still had problems at 79! I unwittingly angered
him and apologized in a letter, but he never acknow-
leged it in reply, now he’s passed on…
 
I think the distinction should be made between being wrathful and angry. As Apostolic Christians, we are not taught to allow our humanity to be subsumed into some kind of superficial “holy” state where we experience no emotion. Anger properly expressed is indicative of there being real external issues (i.e. Jesus becoming angry at the tables in the Temple). The Church Fathers warn against the former.
 
MorEphrem said:
I think the distinction should be made between being wrathful and angry. As Apostolic Christians, we are not taught to allow our humanity to be subsumed into some kind of superficial “holy” state where we experience no emotion. Anger properly expressed is indicative of there being real external issues (i.e. Jesus becoming angry at the tables in the Temple). The Church Fathers warn against the former.
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I agree, but I did not suggest such a thing. However, anger like all the passions must be subordinate to reason not brought on by an animal impulse.

The Fathers in the Homilies selected elaborate a great deal on the point, I hope you find it helpful.
 
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