Experiencing an emotion is not, in itself, morally good or evil. To believe that we are good simply because “we feel good” is a tremendous illusion.
Emotions are part of the human experience and often come and go without our bidding. However emotions that accompany a free act can manifest the depth of that act.
Jesus, as true man, felt emotions. His emotions were always at the service of his virtue. In the Bible, we see the depth of his emotion. These examples of his sensitivity show how much his human heart was open to others.
These reflections come from Pope Francis’ treatment of emotions in Amoris Laetitia, #143-146. There, the Holy Father notes five times that Jesus showed his emotions.
He explains that
A family is mature when the emotional life of its members becomes a form of sensitivity that neither stifles nor obscures great decisions and values, but rather follows each one’s freedom; springs from it; enriches, perfects and harmonizes it in the service of all.
And today we celebrate...