WHAT MAKES you angry? How do you react? In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus showed his humanity as explained by Ronald Fussell in his reflection at Creighton University. He narrates the account of Jesus “flipping the tables” in order to cleanse the Temple of those turning the sacred place into a market place.
3rd Sunday of Lent
Exodus 20:1-17 or Exodus 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17; Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11
1 Corinthians 1:22-25; John 2:13-2
Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J., talks about the righteous anger of Jesus who was indignant for the right cause. We speak out against “systematic corruption” in society and grant freedom, justice and liberation from those oppressed. We are called to cleanse ourselves this Lent in Fr. Bill Kreutz,’ S.J., reflection to make way for God to enter in our lives.
I remember when I was a City Councilor in my 30s, I had a table slapping experience to express my anger against negotiated contracts during a meeting in City Hall! The quiet gentle self-expressing rage in public. “Napuno na!”
Being young, I was bullied, but my idealism also made me stand my ground toward what I believed was just. It was a significant act for me, a quiet neophyte who sat as Committee of Appropriations Chairperson. When the Council was against me, Mayor Caling told me to remain. In her stern manner, she was a stable source of wisdom and strength. What came after was RA 9184, the Government Procurement Act that needs amendment to meet the needs of a pandemic era where government procurement is needed to save lives.
In my first few days as Mayor, I recall going to the streets in a feat frustration to express the urgency for the police to be proactive since two of their colleagues were killed on June 30, 2013. I could not stand the sight seeing the police relaxed while there is a need to be alert.
Last week, I had a cathartic table slapping mode. RG Go calls it the “beast mode” to express frustration over the rudeness of people toward our guests. Ustedes ba ta rebenta de rabio na cosas que debe corregi? This week, someone dear sent me a text that made me reflect deeply over disillusionment.
This Lent l, I will offer periods of silence to ask myself how have I become a cause for others frustration and how can I cleanse myself of all that is not pleasing to God and His mission. Anger is normal and expressing and venting it out are means to help us remove the toxicity of all that is negative that eats us up!
The Pandemic has caused a lot of sadness and frustration that can lead to harm and depression. We need to release our anger in a way to make room for healing. Likewise, we do not give others the power to rob us of joy because they are angry and bitter. We find creative ways of dealing with negative people by acknowledging them, yet keeping our peace to understand where we stand in the relationship.
Life is complicated and if we pay attention to every problem, we will get lost in the sea of troubles and end up sinking. Just as the First Reading talks of the Commandments as ways for us to follow God. So too, must we abide by them in a loving way and give time to forgive. May we find ways to let go of anger in a way to make room for healing and growth. The gauge of discernment will lead to God’s peace and happiness in our lives. (MBC)
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