“On Righteous Anger”
Living in our society can instill various strong emotions. One of the most challenging is anger. Anger is a very powerful emotion that is not always understood and sometimes is resisted, especially within a spiritual context. However, righteous anger is that emotion which can move us to action for what is right.
The anger of Jesus
This is the central theme of an online series of reflections weaving art and faith, organised by the Centre for Ignatian Spirituality. They are inspired by Christ’s own experience of anger which led him to expel the money-changers out of the Temple as depicted by Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua.
The reflections, hosted in collaboration with Living Stones, an Ignatian initiative exploring faith through art, invites participants to explore the theme of righteous anger through four perspectives. The four online inputs followed by interactive discussions will be held every Friday of February from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on the following link
Four online sessions
On the 4th February Ms. Giulia Privitelli, an art historian, from Pietre Vive will explore Giotto’s depiction of the gospel event in the context of the life of Christ in the Scrovegni chapel. She will not only interpret the symbols shown but also offer the work of art as a spiritual text for reflection upon our personal and collective experience of anger.
On the 11th February, Dr. John Paul Cauchi, from the Diocesan Commission for Peace and Justice, will reflect on anger and social activism. Dr. Cauchi is highly committed to the causes of the protection of the environment and good governance. Himself a choir member, Dr. Cauchi will also be integrating musical interludes in his input.
On the 18th February, Prof. Anthony Frendo, a biblical scholar will trace the development of the idea of the ‘Anger of God’ as another face of the merciful God, across the scriptures. Prof. Frendo will be touching upon the books of Hosea, the Gospel of John and Pauline texts.
On the 25th February, Prof. Nadia Delicata, Episcopal Delegate for Evangelisation, a moral theologian with foundational studies in psychology, will first explore the interior process of anger – what causes anger and what happens when anger goes wrong. Then she will explore how anger can be turned into a driving force for conversion and how righteous anger can move us to action for the common good.
his event is being coordinated by Sandro Rossi and Thomas Muscat. The reflections are open to the general public. Participation is free and no booking is necessary. The sessions are stand-alone with a continuous reflective thread about anger weaving through them all. Those who can attend even one session are welcome and will have a fruitful experience. Those attending all the sessions will have a more comprehensive experience. More information can be accessed through the Facebook page of Centre for Ignatian Spirituality or through an email sent to director@cismalta.org .
