A REFLECTION FOR THE 5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
Most of us don’t need anger management class. But we do need to manage our anger. Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic, adapted to provide us with a more spiritual approach to our anger “issues”…
Think before you speak. In the heat of the moment it’s easy to say something you’ll later regret. Collect your thoughts and remind yourself of the virtue of patience. Repeat the prayer Dona nobis pacem!
Don’t express your anger until you’re calm. If you’re thinking clearly, it will be easier to love your neighbor as yourself by expressing your anger in ways that are less confrontational and more effective. Explain calmly and rationally why you’re angry.
Get some exercise. Physical activity prevents stress from building up in the first place. Catholic schools have always stressed that a healthy mind co-exists with a healthy body. Fight gluttony and sloth especially.
Take a timeout. When the day is becoming too stressful, give yourself a break. Use it to relax and prevent your nerves from tightening up. Say a Rosary or some other prayers, do some spiritual reading.
Identify possible solutions. Instead of focusing on what made you mad, work on resolving the issue at hand. Pray that God turn your anger into something more productive.
Don’t hold a grudge. Remember the words of the Our Father, and forgive those who trespass against you.
Use humour to release tension. De-escalate the situation by lightening it up. People can’t laugh and be angry at the same time. Seek out examples in the lives of the saints.
Know when to seek help. Your anger is just one more temptation in life, and, as in any other test, our Blessed Mother and the saints are ready to intercede for us. Just ask.
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