I recalled an incident where I was late to a meeting about thirty minutes. The truth is, I was very late, and it was an important meeting. There was still a chance I could make it, assuming traffic cooperated. It didn’t. Soon after I roared into traffic, I encountered a car going the speed limit. Can you imagine the audacity of that? I was not able to get safely around him as the minutes ticked away, along with the likelihood that I’d make it on time. After several miles of vein-throbbing misery, I finally caught a break and made my move to pass him. By now I was doing back flips in frustration. As I pulled alongside the responsible driver, I have to admit that evil thoughts entered my head. Praise be to God that I didn’t succumb to any of them. I did, however, desire to at least offer him a little scowl (God forgive me!). Nevertheless, as I sped by, to my surprise the responsible driver waved and smiled. He waved and smiled at me! I wanted to boil him in oil, and yet the man stole my anger from me. In light of the horrific events at the U.S. Capitol this past week, I found myself reflecting on that driving incident. I was drawn to the Gospel, and in particular, the many encounters Jesus had with others, and just how many times Jesus literally stole away the anger of those he encountered. As livid as they were with him, he simply would not allow their anger to penetrate and influence him. Even on the cross, Jesus refused to accept the anger of those who crucified him. And because of that, he did not allow his love for others and for his Father to be dampened. As I looked on in disgust at the misguided anger which led to the events at the capitol, I had to admit that I too have, on occasion, projected my anger onto others or have allowed their anger to penetrate and influence me. It’s innately human; but it’s what we DO with our anger that defines us. Consider that Jesus was just as human as we are, and he was faced with the same choices we face. And what did he choose? Hate the sin, but love the sinner, without condition. For me, that’s as hard as being stuck behind a driver doing the speed limit. Let’s pray about that. You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . . Mt 5:43-44