Sirach 27:30 — 28:9
Anger and wrath, these also are abominations, and the sinful man will possess them. He that takes vengeance will suffer vengeance from the Lord, and he will firmly establish his sins. Forgive your neighbor the wrong he has done, and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray. Does a man harbor anger against another, and yet seek for healing from the Lord? Does he have no mercy toward a man like himself, and yet pray for his own sins? If he himself, being flesh, maintains wrath, who will make expiation for his sins? Remember the end of your life, and cease from enmity, remember destruction and death, and be true to the commandments. Remember the commandments, and do not be angry with your neighbor; remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook ignorance. Refrain from strife, and you will lessen sins; for a man given to anger will kindle strife, and a sinful man will disturb friends and inject enmity among those who are at peace.

Homily:

I am easily irritable and candor is a value I hold dear.

Mixing irritability with candor means that quite often, I speak out of irritation and not out of love.

I have learnt to remove myself physically or mentally from situations that trigger my irritability, breathe and smile a little, and then come back to address the issue when my heart is not positioned to be right, but to be caring.

Life is not an easy journey for anyone and most people are just winging it. We make mistakes – intentionally or unintentionally. Thankfully, we can also correct mistakes.

I want to be kind to myself and others when correcting mistakes. So help me God.