Friday, November 11, 2016

Amoris Laetitia - Par. 103


Love is not irritable or resentful

103.  If the first word of Paul's hymn spoke of the need for a patience that does not immediately react harshly to the weaknesses and faults of others, the word he uses next - paroxýnetai - has more to do with an interior indignation provoked by something from without.  It refers to a violent reaction within, a hidden irritation that sets us on edge where others are concerned, as if they were troublesome or threatening and thus to be avoided.  To nurture such interior hostility helps no one.  It only causes hurt and alienation.  Indignation is only healthy when it makes us react to a grave injustice; when in permeates our attitude towards others it is harmful.


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