Patience, Anger & Justice
January 19th, 2024
Introduction:
In today's contemplation, following the grace and peace of the Eucharist and the reverent atmosphere of Daily Mass, I am drawn to reflect upon three deeply interconnected themes: Patience, Anger, and Justice. These concepts not only reveal aspects of God's divine nature but also shine a light on the depths of our own human experience.
Patience, a virtue often extolled yet challenging to embody, is a reflection of God's enduring love and mercy. In patience, we find the capacity to bear with one another, to endure trials, and to wait for God's timing in all things. The Scripture reminds us, "But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience" (Romans 8:25). This verse calls us to trust in God's plan, even when it remains unseen.
Anger, on the other hand, can be a tumultuous emotion, yet it is not inherently sinful. Righteous anger, when directed towards injustice and evil, can be a powerful force for change. However, when anger becomes uncontrolled or directed towards the wrong ends, it can lead us away from God's will. The challenge lies in discerning when our anger aligns with justice and when it is merely a manifestation of our own shortcomings.
Justice, a cornerstone of God's kingdom, is intricately tied to both patience and anger. True justice reflects God's fairness, compassion, and mercy. It demands of us not only to stand against wrongdoing but also to act with love and patience. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, "Justice is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor" (CCC 1807).
In exploring these themes, we embark on a journey that delves into the heart of our relationship with God and with one another. We are called to reflect on how we can embody patience in a world that often values immediacy, how we can channel our anger towards righteous causes, and how we can enact justice in a manner that mirrors God's love and mercy. Through this exploration, we hope to grow closer to understanding God's nature and to align our lives more closely with His divine will.
Chapter 1: Patience
-Any Lack of patience is a lack of Trust in God’s will and Divine plan.-
Patience is a profound expression of faith in God's divine providence and His perfect will. It is a virtue that calls for mindfulness in each moment, particularly when we are in a state of grace or constant prayer. This awareness of the present moment allows us to trust in God's timing, knowing that He orchestrates the unfolding of our lives with infinite wisdom and love.
We often recognize the need for patience in interactions with those who are "handicapable." In such moments, our patience is a reflection of our love and respect for the dignity of every person, as we understand that they cannot control their limitations. This patience is a natural response to recognizing the inherent value in every individual, especially those with visible weaknesses.
However, the challenge of patience becomes more complex when we encounter those whose weaknesses are not immediately apparent or wholesome. How do we extend patience to those who approach us with fervor, yet we have spent our lives judging them? How do we show compassion to those who are constantly falling but still seeking our care and attention? These situations call us to embody God's patience, using these moments to move hearts with the Holy Spirit in obedience to Him.
God's patience is boundless. He tirelessly works to transform even the most challenging lives over time. Through baptism, God pursues us relentlessly, extending His grace and welcome to all. Regardless of where we are in our lives, God's arms are open, ready to embrace us. For He knows our hearts, and those who are touched by the Holy Spirit recognize that within each of us lies an anointed child of God.
This understanding of patience is not merely about enduring difficult situations; it is about actively seeking to see the image of God in every person we encounter. It is about cultivating a heart that mirrors God's patience, a heart that is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. In doing so, we not only draw closer to God but also become instruments of His grace, helping to guide others on their journey to His loving embrace.
Chapter 2: Anger
Anger is an emotion that touches all of us, born from the inevitable conflicts and misunderstandings that arise from human free will and failure. This anger can stem from impatience with ourselves, others, or even with God. It may be fueled by the shortcomings of others, especially those we have held up as examples, or by statements from authority figures that we struggle to reconcile with God's divine providence. There are different types of anger, each with its own source and nature. The most common form is a self-centered anger, a response to perceived personal slights or attacks. This type of anger is often a reflection of our human tendency to focus on ourselves and our own interests. However, as we grow closer to God and align more closely with His will, we may experience what is known as righteous anger. This form of anger arises from a desire for justice, particularly towards those who deceive themselves, believing they are living righteously while making self-centered choices in their daily lives. Righteous anger, however, is not a license for judgment or punishment. Canon Law of the Catholic Church reminds us of the importance of mercy and understanding. “An ordinary is to take care to initiate a judicial or administrative process to impose or declare penalties only after he has ascertained that fraternal correction or rebuke or other means of pastoral solicitude cannot sufficiently repair the scandal, restore justice, repair the harm, or reform the offender” (Code of Canon Law, Canon 1341). This canon emphasizes the Church’s preference for pastoral solutions and the correction of offenders through means other than punitive measures. It reflects the Christian call to mercy, understanding, and the restoration of relationships, rather than immediate recourse to judgment or punishment. This approach aligns with the broader Christian ethos of responding to anger and wrongdoing with patience, understanding, and a desire for the spiritual growth and reform of the individual. The Bible offers guidance on how to handle anger: "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger" (Ephesians 4:26). This verse acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion but warns against allowing it to lead us into sin. In my own journey, I have struggled with frustration and anger towards those who claim faith yet do not adhere to its teachings. However, we must approach these individuals with patience and mercy. It is not our place to judge or to seek atonement for others. Instead, we must trust in God's divine providence, believing that through our obedience to Him, all things will unfold according to His plan. Our challenge is to manage our anger in a way that reflects God's love and mercy. We are called to be slow to anger and rich in kindness, using our righteous anger not as a weapon but as a tool for positive change, guided by the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. In doing so, we become beacons of God's grace, helping to lead others towards a deeper understanding and adherence to the faith.
Chapter 3: Justice
Our understanding of justice is deeply intertwined with our understanding of God, who is inherently just. As we observe the world, we often seek a sense of justice that aligns with God’s nature. We see individuals blessed with worldly wealth yet continuing in sin, and we wonder when God will bring about their atonement or retribution. The concept of a punitive God, alongside the image of a benevolent God revealed through Christ, has been a constant through the history of God and man.
The Scriptures offer numerous examples of God’s justice, both in the Old and New Testaments. The Psalms, the story of David showing mercy to Saul, and the teachings of Paul, John, and Jesus all depict a God who is both merciful and just. This duality is essential to our understanding of God’s nature. In the New Testament, Jesus himself speaks of the punitive aspects of God’s justice, as well as His mercy and love.
When contemplating the unknowns in our lives, such as the suffering of those who appear righteous, we must remember that God uses these experiences for our growth and to deepen our understanding of His divine providence. Stories of those perceived as righteous facing trials and tribulations can serve as powerful testimonies to God’s justice and mercy. These experiences are not meant as punishment for failures, but as opportunities to draw closer to God.
In light of this, the Scripture counsels us, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord" (Romans 12:19). This verse reminds us that ultimate justice belongs to God alone, and it is not our place to enact vengeance or judgment.
It is important to recognize that our perspective of others may not always be accurate. What may appear as unjust suffering may, in fact, be a just response from God, perfectly aligned with His omniscient understanding of each person’s heart and actions. Observing someone use their trials as a means to grow closer to God is a testament to the transformative power of His justice.
God's justice is not about retribution but about redemption and transformation. It is a call to each of us to align our actions and judgments with His will, seeking not to condemn but to guide and help others in their journey toward Him. In understanding and embracing this concept of divine justice, we find the means to live out our faith more fully, trusting in God’s plan for each of us and for the world.
