Our first reading today comes from Sirach 27:30–28:7. Sirach is one of the deuterocanonical books, which are not included in Protestant Bibles due to historical reasons. However, these books were well known in Jesus’ time and were part of the broader scriptural tradition. Sirach is essentially a manual on living a faithful life, similar to an ancient RCIA guide.

The Danger of Anger in Spiritual Life

This passage warns us about anger, a topic I believe we don’t discuss enough. In Catholic teaching, we often distinguish between justified and unjustified, but scripture warns against it altogether. The tradition of the Church lists it as one of the seven deadly sins—not necessarily because of its gravity alone, but because of the harm it can lead to.

Evagrius of Pontus: The Psychology of Sin

Evagrius of Pontus, an early desert monk, studied the patterns of thoughts and emotions, giving us the foundation for what later became the concept of the seven deadly sins. He originally described them as the “eight thoughts,” which were negative impulses implanted by passions or demons.

According to Evagrius, anger follows gluttony and lust. He likens it to drunkenness, calling it “the devil’s wine.” It clouds judgment and leads to irrational behavior, similar to intoxication.

Anger and Idolatry: A Deeper Connection

Evagrius and other early Church teachers believed that anger leads to idolatry. When we are consumed by anger, it imprints an image—an eidolon—in our minds. This Greek word is the root of “idol.” If we enter prayer with unresolved anger, we risk speaking not to God but to an idol of our own making. Instead of seeking truth, we seek justification for our anger, reinforcing a cycle of resentment.

Practical Ways to Combat Anger

So how do we fight anger in our spiritual lives? The Church offers two key strategies:

1. Short, Focused Prayer – When dealing with anger, avoid deep meditation, which can reinforce negative thoughts. Instead, engage in structured prayers such as the Rosary, the Lord’s Prayer, or reading Psalms aloud. These brief but intentional prayers help break the grip of anger.
2. Acts of Kindness and Forgiveness – The only true antidote to anger is forgiveness and charity. Forgiveness doesn’t always happen instantly, but taking active steps to show kindness can gradually erode anger’s hold on our hearts.

A Call to Reflection

Scripture is clear: we must forgive in order to be forgiven. This week, I encourage you to examine what makes you angry and how you respond. Do you stew in resentment, or do you turn to prayer and kindness? Do you prioritize being right, or do you prioritize love?

Let’s strive to dismantle the idols of anger in our hearts and create space for God’s love to dwell.