Wrath or venting?

[fons_vitae]

Is there a real difference between venting one’s emotions (not on someone else, but just airing a grievance) and being wrathful?

 

[Spirithound]

newadvent.org/cathen/01489a.htm

The desire of vengeance. Its ethical rating depends upon the quality of the vengeance and the quantity of the passion. When these are in conformity with the prescriptions of balanced reason, anger is not a sin. It is rather a praiseworthy thing and justifiable with a proper zeal. It becomes sinful when it is sought to wreak vengeance upon one who has not deserved it, or to a greater extent than it has been deserved, or in conflict with the dispositions of law, or from an improper motive. The sin is then in a general sense mortal as being opposed to justice and charity. It may, however, be venial because the punishment aimed at is but a trifling one or because of lack of full deliberation. Likewise, anger is sinful when there is an undue vehemence in the passion itself, whether inwardly or outwardly. Ordinarily it is then accounted a venial sin unless the excess be so great as to go counter seriously to the love of God or of one’s neighbour.

 

[odile53]

I wonder, too, just where the point is when blowing off steam ceases to be venting and becomes a rehearsal of grievances.

I’m seriously trying to discern this with myself. I know that I can hang onto a petty, or even a large, grievance with all the zeal that a Labrador puppy hangs onto a chew toy, and when I’m really in a bad place, I can “vent” to just about anyone who is crazy enough to stand there and listen! It’s a frequent topic of my confessions.

 

[andreashofer]

Is there a real difference between venting one’s emotions (not on someone else, but just airing a grievance) and being wrathful?

wrathful is only good, when it comes as the zeal of God. F.i. as Jesus chasing the moneychangers out of the temple or as God’s chastisement coming through my dad, when I got a smack for lying into his face.

Venting of emotions for me is prayer in order to calm myself down. The best way to vent my emotions is to go for a walk, burn off energy and pray the rosary. Reason surely comes back when I again see my nothingness as a little creature compared to what my creator did and can do.

 

[andreashofer]

I wonder, too, just where the point is when blowing off steam ceases to be venting and becomes a rehearsal of grievances.

I’m seriously trying to discern this with myself. I know that I can hang onto a petty, or even a large, grievance with all the zeal that a Labrador puppy hangs onto a chew toy, and when I’m really in a bad place, I can “vent” to just about anyone who is crazy enough to stand there and listen! It’s a frequent topic of my confessions.

I would get rid of the dog in any case, because he might hinder me from sincere prayer. The one who prays is never lonely. Dogs can not replace the presence of Jesus in my heart. Dogs don’t replace a husband and children.

Scripture, as written in Leviticus, says, that animals should live outside of the house, including pets. Humans are not to stay closely together with animals.
One reason for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was the fornication practiced with animals.

I know I miss the point of what you are saying, but I just wanted to vent my emotions after having to see the relationship of some dog owners with their dogs in my neighborhood.
Children’s voices are rarer than dogs barking all day, all night.

 

[JRKH]

Is there a real difference between venting one’s emotions (not on someone else, but just airing a grievance) and being wrathful?

Yes there are differences but they are not “black or white”. Much has to do with intent, degree and purpose.
That said, at it’s core, “venting” is a symptom of an underlying issue - most likely issues of anger - hurt - lack of forgiveness toward others. If we are not hurt, if we are not angry, if we forgive immediately then there is no need to “venting”.

So my suggestion would be to explore the “root cause” of the venting in prayer and with your confessor.

Peace
James