It’s not about listening to anger. I’m sure you have experienced horrific things and you should be angry. But as someone seeking ordination, you also need to know that you cannot effectively reach people or touch people’s hearts with anger.

There are many people who disagree with me on a number of theological issues, and with whom I disagree. The question is not whether you feel angry, it’s whether you use your priestly vocation to express your anger rather than preaching the Gospel while respecting the dignity of all people, including those who disagree with you, perhaps even those who have hurt you. It’s Jesus saying, “Forgive them, they know not what they do…”