Reflect today on how honest you are in all areas of life

Let your "Yes" mean "Yes" and your "No" mean "No". Anything more comes from the Evil One. "Matthew 5:37

This is an interesting line. At first it seems a bit extreme to say that "Anything else comes from the Evil One". But of course since these are the words of Jesus, they are words of perfect truth. So what does Jesus mean?

This line comes from Jesus in the context in which he teaches us the morality of taking an oath. The lesson is essentially a presentation of the basic principle of "truthfulness" found in the eighth commandment. Jesus is telling us to be honest, to say what we mean and understand what we say.

One of the reasons why Jesus raised this topic, in the context of his teaching on taking the oath, is that there should be no need for a solemn oath regarding our normal daily conversations. Of course, there are some oaths that take on solemnities such as vows or vows of marriage and promises made solemnly by priests and religious. Indeed, there is some form of solemn promise in every sacrament. However, the nature of these promises is more of a public expression of faith than a way of making people responsible.

The truth is that the eighth commandment, which calls us to be people of honesty and integrity, should suffice in all daily activities. We don't need to "swear to God" on this or that. We shouldn't feel the need to convince another that we are telling the truth in one situation or another. Rather, if we are people of honesty and integrity, then our word will suffice and what we say will be true simply because we say it.

Reflect today on how honest you are in all areas of life. Have you become accustomed to truthfulness in both large and small matters of life? Do people recognize this quality in you? Talking about the truth and being a person of the truth are ways of proclaiming the gospel with our actions. Commit to honesty today and the Lord will do great things through your word.

Lord, help me to be a person of honesty and integrity. I am sorry for the times when I have distorted the truth, deceived in subtle ways and have completely lied. Help my "Yes" to always be in accord with your most holy will and help me to always abandon the ways of error. Jesus I believe in you.