Amma Syncletica also said, “It is good not to get angry, but if this should happen, the Apostle does not allow you a whole day for this passion, for he says: Let not the sun go down. (Eph. 4.26) Will you wait till all your time is ended? Why hate the man who has grieved you? It is not he who has done the wrong, but the devil. Hate sickness but not the sick person.”
St Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:26, that we must forgive others if we experience upset.
Do not allow anger or bitterness to take root in your heart. Allow hot emotions to subside. Control wayward passions, which may cloud your judgement.
Prayer is helpful with this exercise: also speaking with a good priest. A confidential spiritual counsellor gives inestimable support with insight into your spiritual and emotional life.
Worthy priests and godly counsellors help you to find your own spiritual tools to deal with your inner universe.
Ensure that no ugly emotions are allowed to fester in your heart when you lay down to sleep at night.
We never know when our last night on earth may be: if we are called to God, let it not be with hatred in our hearts.
Non-godly emotions have the ability to fester and grow within us, sprouting seeds of dislike, hatred, nurture of revenge, intent to assault, unseemly lack of love towards others.
As we are on the journey of godliness, where we learn to love ourselves and others as Christ does, there is no place for unbridled anger.
Anger is like a metaphorical horse: unbridled, it may run away with you, to both your ruin and the ruin of others.
Anger is a God-given emotion, and a blessing. When you feel anger, it is an indication that there is something wrong in your milieu. Anger gives you the energy and impetus to do something about it. So, righteous anger may be that you see another being beaten, and your emotion gives you the energy to step in appropriately and resolve the situation.
However, when anger is turned against another, for example, when we have negative emotions towards others in our surroundings, and start to dislike the person and stir up gossip and festering actions against the other, this is the wrong use of anger.
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is self control. Ask God to help you control your powerful emotions, and to help you towards forgiveness and love for all.
Voices of the Ammas
They left the rush of crowded days, the markets loud and wide,
And journeyed to the desert’s hush where God alone would guide.
The early mothers, strong in grace, in silence made their home,
Where hearts grew vast in hidden prayer, though outward lives seemed lone.
In caves of dust and burning sun, in cells both bare and small,
They learned to hear the still, soft Voice that gently speaks to all.
Through fasting deep and vigils long, through tears both pure and wise,
They fixed their gaze on Christ alone, their treasure and their prize.
The Ammas spoke with quiet strength, their counsel clear and true,
To souls who sought the narrow path and longed their God to view.
Their words, like wells in desert lands, still draw the thirsty near,
A living stream of holy truth that echoes year by year.
They call to us within our hearts, beyond the world’s loud claim:
“Become a desert in your soul, and kindle there His flame.
Be anchorites in secret depths, though streets around you roar,
Hold fast the Word in silent faith, and seek His Face the more.”
For we who walk the marketplace, with hurried steps and eyes,
Are summoned to that inward place where deeper treasure lies.
To live the wisdom that they gave, with steadfast hearts made whole,
And carry Christ, the Living Word, to every seeking soul.
O mothers of the ancient way, your witness still remains,
A lamp within our modern night, a balm for hidden pains.
Teach us to dwell with God within, though outward paths we roam -
Till every heart, made still in Him, becomes His desert home.
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