Episode 1501: Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame

The greatest remedy for anger is delay.

Matthew 5:21-22 - Teaching on Anger: " You have heard that it was said to the ancients: You shall not kill. And whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, You Fool, shall be in danger of hell of fire."
From a traditional Catholic perspective, this passage emphasizes the importance of not only refraining from physical violence but also from harboring hatred or anger in one's heart. Here are some key points of the traditional Catholic interpretation:

Interior Disposition: The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus is addressing the inner disposition of the heart. It's not enough to avoid physically harming others; one must also avoid nurturing hatred or contempt towards them.

Seriousness of Anger: Jesus underscores that harboring anger or resentment towards others is a serious matter in the eyes of God. It is not only the outward act of murder that is sinful, but also the internal disposition of anger.

Consequences of Anger: The passage warns of judgment for those who hold onto anger, and it emphasizes the need for reconciliation and forgiveness. It suggests that unresolved anger can have serious spiritual consequences.

Value of Human Dignity: The traditional Catholic perspective emphasizes the inherent dignity of every human person, and teaches that anger can be a violation of this dignity. It encourages Christians to treat others with respect and love, even in the face of disagreements or conflicts.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Catholics are encouraged to seek reconciliation with those they may be angry with and to practice forgiveness. This aligns with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness elsewhere in the Gospels.

Overall, the traditional Catholic interpretation of Matthew 5:21-22 emphasizes the call to a deeper and more transformative righteousness that goes beyond mere external actions, touching on the attitudes and dispositions of the heart.