Though we all know that Jesus is God, as a human He also got upset and at times very angry. So my question is - is it a sin to lose your temper and do we need to go to confession when we do? -Maria Wood
The CCC (Catechism of the Catholic Church - you have to get one and read it) tells us that anger is an emotion that is not wrong/sinful in itself (and thank God b/c I'm always getting angry...although that's probably not good) It becomes sinful when someone allows the feelings of anger to come out in unhealthy ways (like hitting things - or saying things to others in angry tone - saying things about others to get revenge for what they have done/said to us). Jesus did express anger in the Temple when overturned the tables - this would be righteous anger because he saw how God's house (Temple) was being misused and this caused him to be angry and to express that anger. The big difference between His anger and ours is that he gets angry for good reasons (b/c His Father's house was being desecrated) - Jesus motivation for anger is that the Father is not being given his proper props.. Good question and it can be difficult to determine when anger is just an emotion that is not wrong and when we cross the line by acting on that emotion in unhealthy/sinful ways.. Read the Gospel of John 2:13-16 about Jesus in the Temple...
Pax Christi..
FJ
Why is it Anointing of the sick and not last rites anymore? And when did it change? -Colleen Kelly
Anointing of the Sick in the past inherited the name 'Last Rites' or 'Extreme Unction' because over the centuries the anointing was given at the moment closest to death. After the Second Vatican Council the Church established (in a document called Sacram unctionem infirmorum), that the Sacrament should be given to those who may be in danger of death from sickness or old age, but a person does not have to wait until they are 'taking their last breath' - so it is not just reserved for the point closest to death.. When people are going in for surgery the often get anointed b/c you never know what could happen in a surgery. The sacrament brings healing (sometimes physical, but not usually physical healing) and also comfort from God during a period of illness so that the person can deal with that illness and be aware that God is there with them during that difficult period.. It is a great Sacrament to receive when one is seriously ill - i have given the Sacrament many times and God always works so powerfully in those moments.. Let's keep praying for Colleen's mom.. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has lots of things to say about this Sacrament.. Pax Christi..
Fr. Jakub
