The Danger of Anger - with Msgr. John Esseff

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Msgr. Esseff reflects on the danger of “anger.” How should we deal with our anger.

From the RSVCE

Ephesians Chapter 4

²⁶Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷and give no opportunity to the devil.

Ephesians Chapter 6

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹²For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, ¹⁹and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

The Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical missions, a Catholic organization established by Pope St. John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.

4 thoughts on “The Danger of Anger – with Msgr. John Esseff – Building a Kingdom podcast”

Thank you Monsignor.
I thank God for His constant forgiveness and freedom of anger. He once told me that forgiving and forgetting is a gift, and very few ask for it.
What happens to a soul who has been terribly hurt by unkind words ,and is left with a deep sorrow in their heart? A sadness that lingers?
Only love remains, but sadness is there.
A thought came that I should give it to God as I prepare to receive Him in communion.
He will heal my heart.
Love always heals , HE IS LOVE !
Thank you for this lesson

Thank you for the speech on anger. Monsignor, your calming voice and disposition is perfect for such a topic. I’ve been a victim of anger, which in turn I learned how to use anger in the wrong way. I hold it hostage inside, till I burst. I do not want to show my anger, as my anger is the fault of those who are currently around me, however it is impossible for me to hide it, as you can see it in my eyes, and it comes out in my behavior as well.
As you directed, I am going to try taking it to God. It is hard to remember to do that, but I will also ask the Lord and my guardian angel to help me remember to do that too.
God bless you for the wonderful advice.

Thank you, Monsignor and Chris!
All that Monsignor said went right into my heart–
and I hope into my soul.
God blesses us all with your wisdom.
Onward and upward!
Kathleen