At times people feel helpless to change the world around them - or for that matter, even to change themselves! Sirach assures us that we have far more power than we think. God has placed the way of life and the way of death before us, and at each and every moment we choose one or the other. When we follow the commandments and practise compassion, justice, forgiveness, non-violence, and kindness we have definitely chosen life and we will soon feel the effects. We must pay attention and be aware of the challenges and opportunities throughout each day. Anger is part of the human experience. Most of us have lost our temper at times and maybe even traded harsh or insulting words with another. We would be shocked if we were accused of a form of murder. But in a sense it is - we attack and deface the image of God in another. It arouses negative emotions and hatred and contributes to the negativity in the world. Control of words - thinking before we speak - is important. But there is more - even thinking about ungodly or negative deeds is the same as having actually done them. We are all in deep trouble! All negative and positive deeds exist first as thoughts. Sooner or later it is expressed in some manner. Jesus is telling us to guard our words and thoughts. Positive, beautiful words and thoughts help us to build a more compassionate and peaceful world.