Emotions are Sacred

I’m shocked at Jesus today! Frustrated, angry, making whips, dumping money, overturning tables. It doesn’t sound like the calm, peaceful, loving Jesus we want to reflect in our blessed and broken world. Who is this? This is not the peaceful Jesus who

companions me every day. There has to be a message for me in this Gospel. We have had fundraisers after Mass in the vestibule of the Church. I’ve seen 50/50 tickets sold, and, at one time, the winning ticket was pulled in the Church from the ambo. If someone came into Church today with a whip, spilling money, and overturning tables, we would call 911. There is no doubt about it. So, I ask again, what is the hidden message in this Gospel for me, and maybe for you today?

For me, it concerns the sacredness of all the emotions humans experience. From sadness to joy, to disappointment and rage. Jesus was expressing what feels to me like

disappointment and frustration expressed in his anger. This year, I have felt disappointment and frustration at the continued racial violence and systemic racism in our country, which has been expressed as anger. I’ve been embarrassed over our contentious presidential election, which turned to anger. I’ve been frustrated living under the cloud of COVID-19 and the immense loss of life, and at times, that has turned to anger. I also know that, as a woman, my tendency is to be very careful how I express my anger. I’ve been called ‘feisty,’ over-emotional, a bit out of control, and that does not feel good. In fact, it often incites stronger emotions! Jesus calls me to embrace my emotions, all of them, not just some of them!

Lent is a time for transformation and renewal. I’m called to embrace all the gifts I

have been given. Our emotions are a gift. I will not express my anger by turning over tables and making a whip, but I will use my words to express myself respectfully when I have something to say. The surprising thing in a gospel is often what God calls me to look at. Of course, Jesus was not violent; he told people to turn the other cheek and to put away the sword, so there has to be another message here. Holy Anger is something to be recognized and to be used to help express the truth we see, with respect, with an eye to making the world into the reign of God that Jesus told us we could create. And to allow Jesus to be Jesus, not just love the peaceful companion I have made him out to be. I’m called to embrace all of who Jesus is, even the one who can get angry.

Reflection questions –

● What emotions do I hesitate to express? Why?

● How is God calling me to embrace all of my emotions?

● Do I have Holy Anger that I hold back from sharing in appropriate ways? What

causes it? How can I express it in ways that can make a difference?