A Penitent Blogger

Mindful of my imperfections, seeking to know Truth more deeply and to live Love more fully.

Quid sum miser tunc dicturus? Quem patronum rogaturus? Cum vix iustus sit securus?
Recordare, Iesu pie, Quod sum causa tuae viae: Ne me perdas illa die...

Saturday, June 11, 2005

More “yes” and “no”

In today’s Gospel (Mt. 5:33-37), our Lord warns us against swearing and ends with this simple bottom line: “Let your ‘Yes' mean ‘Yes,' and your ‘No' mean ‘No.'”

If men were not sometimes dishonest, there would be no need for oaths. That is why our Lord goes on to say that “Anything more (than ‘yes’ and ‘no’) is from the Evil One."

Does our “Yes” mean “Yes” and our “No” mean “No”?
Do we tell “white lies”?
Do we use hyperbole?
Do we over-promise?

The more careful and honest we are with our words, the more valuable they will be and the more effective for communicating to others the truth of Christ.