Even the saints struggled with anger!
September 30 is the feast day of Saint Jerome, a priest, Doctor of the Church, and notable hot-head.
During his life on earth, Saint Jerome took on the great task of translating the Holy Scriptures into Latin. The Church relied on his translation for centuries!
However, Jerome also built up quite the reputation due to his cranky nature, which makes him a special saintly intercessor for modern times.
Saint Jerome was stubborn and sharp-tongued during his scholarly debates. He didn’t always teach the Gospel with a spirit of kindness.
It’s worth clarifying that the feeling of anger itself is not a sin, but it can easily lead us to wrath or other occasions of sin. Acting on our angry impulses can result in some of the worst human behavior!
Saint Jerome’s example shows that it doesn’t have to be this way.
Knowing his weaknesses, Saint Jerome performed great acts of penance. He expressed deep regret after his angry outbursts. He didn’t excuse his anger. Instead, he sought to rise above it.
Some say that his penitential spirit helped with his quest for holiness and that God redeemed him through this particular struggle. It sanctified him!
According to the National Catholic Register,
“In artwork, Jerome is often pictured with a stone, which he would use to beat his chest as he repented for his sins. Once, upon seeing a painting of the great saint, Pope Sixtus V commented: ‘You do well to carry that stone, for without it the Church would never have canonized you.’ His words are a beautiful reminder that the great deeds of the saints are not what ushered them into eternity.”
It is easy to give in to our anger these days. With everything going on in our culture, our anger is often, dare I say, justified.
However, what if we looked to Saint Jerome for help to calm our tempers and transform our anger into something more virtuous?
What if our struggles help us increase in humility, too?
Saint Jerome rose to sainthood because, although he was a weak and sinful man, he never stopped seeking out God’s mercy. Amid his struggles with his rocky temperament, he was looking to grow closer to Christ.
Next time you’re overcome with anger or tempted to act on your hot temper, ask for the intercession of Saint Jerome! You may be surprised by how much his prayers can help you.
Here is a powerful prayer for Christ’s mercy composed by Saint Jerome:
O Lord, show Your mercy to me and gladden my heart. I am like the man on the way to Jericho who was overtaken by robbers, wounded, and left for dead. O Good Samaritan, come to my aid. I am like the sheep that went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home in accord with Your will. Let me dwell in Your house all the days of my life and praise You forever and ever with those who are there. Amen.