How sweet to my taste is your promise! — Psalm 119:103a

Mass Readings: Revelation 10:8-11/Luke 19:45-48 

Anger Management 

When I was growing up, I seldom saw my mom or dad really angry. They were soft-spoken, tolerant people who likely felt that “blowing up” was sinful. That was and still is a common misconception among Christians. Anger isn’t necessarily sinful. It’s a normal emotion, and can play a healthy role in our lives. Though wrong and destructive when it’s out of control, anger is good when it motivates us to correct an injustice or defend someone. 

That’s the anger we see in today’s Gospel. Jesus was furious with the dishonest Temple vendors. They were overcharging fellow Jews for animals purchased for sacrifice. Jesus’ anger was focused, open, and directed at the injustice. The Jewish leaders were angry too — at Jesus! Their anger was hidden, personal and destructive. They started planning to kill Jesus. 

Prayer: Holy Spirit, guide my emotions so that I help to build — not harm — Your Kingdom.