Posted by The WORD in other words by Fr Louie Punzalan SVD – University of San Carlos, Cebu City
Saturday 10th Week in Ordinary Time
The Jewish teachers have always insisted on man’s paramount obligation to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. After all, everything that is hidden will be revealed. (cf. Luke 8,17 and Mark 4,22) All secrets will be made known. Honesty is the best policy, as we always say. It’s a sin to tell a lie, we were taught by our elders.
When someone makes an oath or a pledge, he usually adds, “So help me, God.” The argument is that if God’s name is used, God becomes a partner in the transaction. Otherwise, God has nothing to do with the transaction. Jesus argues that no one should keep God out of any human transaction. There is nothing in the world that does not belong to God. (Cf. Deuteronomy 10,14) Nor is there any of our transactions or dealings that does not involve God. Whether we like it or not, God is present in all human transactions.
In other words, we cannot divide life into separate compartments where some transactions involve God while others do not. We don’t talk to God in one language and use another when dealing with others at home or in school or in the workplace or in the neighborhood.
The same Gospel reading today tells us that all oaths, promises and vows are serious and sacred especially if they are made in the presence of God. Jesus would exhort by saying: “Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.” (Matthew 5,33) The same is true when the President or a barangay official takes the oath of office, when the Pope is elevated to the papal office, when the priest is ordained, when the religious professes his/her vows, and when the couple says together, “…until death do us part.” This is how serious and sacred an oath or a promise or a vow is. In all of these, God is present.
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