Wrath is a “dark vice” that destroys relationships, focuses all blame on others and only worsens over time, Pope Francis said.
“It is capable of depriving us of sleep, of barring the way to reason and thought” because wrath completely clouds thinking clearly and builds up incessantly without mercy, the pope said on 31st January at his weekly general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall.
Continuing a series of audience talks about vices and virtues, the pope reflected on the vice of wrath. Wrath “destroys human relationships. It expresses the incapacity to accept the diversity of others, especially when their life choices diverge from our own,” he said.
St. Paul recommends Christians face up to the problem right away and attempt reconciliation before the end of the day, the pope said, quoting the apostle’s Letter to the Ephesians, 4:26: “Do not let the sun set on your anger.”
“We are all sinners, all of us,” with outstanding debts or “trespasses” committed and experienced throughout life, he said. “Therefore, we all need to learn how to forgive” as far as humanly possible, he said. “Wrath is countered by benevolence, openness of heart, meekness and patience.”
Picture: CNS photo/Lola Gomez