April 27, 2023
“Many seek to find excuses for suffering by blaming society, people, events, history, greed, and original sin, but their suffering is only increased by this spirit of resentment.”
– Mother Angelica
The death of a loved one often provokes anger, as we struggle to cast blame at everyone from God to doctors to our lost loved one to family members and to ourselves.
Anger conceals a great deal of sadness, says Carolyn Killian, Director of Bereavement for Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Anger will not bring our loved one back but is often a natural response to loss. Anger is a powerful and frightening emotion that many of us struggle to resolve. Some people cling to their anger for years. Some never get over it, and it haunts them. Anger, however, is not a stumbling block; it is an emotion that can lead to insight and acceptance in a situation over which you have no control.
When we have an occasion to self-reflect and look at our anger, we will gain a fuller understanding of our emotions. Having the courage to look inside will inevitably lead to healing.
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Even Jesus expressed anger and sadness over situations that troubled him deeply.