From Father Varghese’s Desk
Anger is a serious issue in our world today, especially amid the constant pressures and anxieties we face. Families can be deeply wounded by harsh words and uncontrolled outbursts that leave lasting scars. Most of us, if we are honest, have lost our temper at some point. In today’s Gospel, we see a striking image of Jesus cleansing the temple. In the Gospel of John (2:13–25), Jesus drives out those who had turned His Father’s house into a marketplace. His zeal was not a loss of control but a holy expression of love for His Father and reverence for what is sacred. This moment reminds us that there is a difference between righteous indignation and sinful anger.
Anger itself is not automatically sinful; it is a natural human emotion. At times, it can even awaken us to injustice. Yet anger becomes destructive when it is fueled by pride, selfishness, or the desire to hurt. We must never use Jesus’ actions in the temple to justify our own uncontrolled temper. Our Lord acted with divine purpose and authority; we often react out of wounded ego or impatience. The Church teaches clearly that violence and harm toward others are never justified, except in the grave duty of protecting innocent life. As disciples of Christ, we are called not to suppress our emotions, but to surrender them to the Holy Spirit so that they may be purified and directed toward goodness.
Lent offers us a sacred opportunity to examine our hearts. Are we truly in control of our anger, or do we allow it to control us? Do we blame others for our outbursts, or do we take responsibility for our words and actions? When we fall, do we seek forgiveness—from God and from those we have hurt? The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a powerful grace in this journey, healing not only our relationship with God but also restoring peace within our families and communities. A humble apology can mend wounds that anger has inflicted.
Finally, when we witness injustice, does our anger lead us toward something constructive? Holy anger should move us to prayer, to advocacy, to service, and to acts of charity. It should inspire us to defend the vulnerable, to tell truth with love, and to work for reconciliation rather than division. As we continue our Lenten journey, let us ask the Lord to give us hearts that burn with zeal for what is right, yet remain gentle and self-controlled. May our anger be transformed into compassion, and may our lives reflect the peace of Christ who purifies not only the temple in Jerusalem, but also the temple of our own hearts.
Have a Good Week and God Bless,
Father Varghese
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