“Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’”
Matthew 5:37
Reflection
Jesus says the law commands everyone to not take a false oath; Jesus revises this and tells his disciples they should not swear at all (take an oath); in fact, he states that their ‘yes’ must mean yes, and their ‘no’ must mean no.
Often, we are wishy-washy in our words and commitments. We tell people we will do one thing, but back out at the last second. We promise to not do something else, but then end up doing it. Our ‘yes’ often means ‘maybe’ or ‘I’ll think about it.’ Our ‘no’ quickly turns into a ‘yes’ when it is convenient for us. Jesus is calling us higher – to actually follow through on what we say.
When we consistently fail to mean what we say and act upon it, others lose trust in us, and our word soon means nothing. This is not a Christian way to live, for Christ wants us to speak and be committed to truth; that is, himself. The Lord is always intentional with his words – we must try to do the same.
Reflect on how you can keep your word better, both to yourself and to others. Ask for the grace to commit to the truth, both in your words and actions.
Saint of the Day
St. Joseph the Hymnographer: AD 810 – 886
“O happy band of pilgrims,
If onward you will tread,
With Jesus as your Fellow,
To Jesus as your Head.
O happy if you labor,
As Jesus did for men;
O happy if you hunger
As Jesus hungered then.
The cross that Jesus carried
He carried as your due;
The crown that Jesus weareth
He weareth it for you.”
Excerpt from O Happy Band of Pilgrims by St. Joseph
The Healing Word 