It’s so hard to avoid the outrage. Social media’s default position – even more so with 2016 being an election year. It rears its ugly head on various professed Catholic sites and blogs, too, where Pope Francis’ breathing is declared an act of heresy, or where every bishop is judged an agent of Satan. You’d think outrage was a gift of the Holy Spirit or some corporal work of mercy.

But it’s not. It goes beyond a visceral reaction to perceived injustice or wrong-doing. It’s an often-time uncontrolled response of asshattery and feckwittery, leading to more outrage and worse sins. Hatred is its food, malice its drink, and it is insatiable. And exhausting. It is not the same as righteous anger. Righteous anger is a controlled anger, directed towards specific, Godly ends. Outrage just hates. It mocks, insults, and offends the dignity of the person. Outrage has never converted anybody – except into a fellow outragist. Lord knows we need fewer outragists in the world, not more.

Do something positive about the situation, if you can. Pray, perform a work of mercy, offer up penance. Not only for the circumstances that lead to the outrage – but more so for those who peddle their Outrage Industry wares and market their Perpetually Offended goods – whether religious, political, or social. Stay away from those whose sole mission is to keep your outrage stoked. There’s no room for the peace of the Holy Spirit in your heart, mind, and soul, if outrage occupies a portion. Have you ever known anyone who’s spent time in Adoration emerging feeling more outraged? Have you ever known anyone who’s received absolution from Confession, exiting the confessional saying “I’m on fire for outrage! Praise be Jesus!!”?

Of course not. Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you. Speak the truth in love. And leave the outrage for the demons and devils who thrive upon its unholy power.