The first time I actually realized I had an anger issue was about a year ago while attending a retreat. A deacon (now priest) prayed over me and told me that he sensed that I was holding on to grudges. I went straight to confession after that revelation because it made sense. I am an angry person and have acted out of anger in ways that hurt the people around me. Not to mention that I can hold a grudge like nobody’s business! I sat face to face with this little Irish priest and confessed that I often lost control of my temper. I confessed other things and then waited to hear what he was going to give me as penance. Instead he said in his Irish accent, “Darling, your anger is a gift from God. He gave it to you so that you could survive,” and then he said the words of absolution.
Read the rest at Catholic Stand.
