The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr Fermin Galolo SVD – Catholic Trade Manila
Saturday 10th Week in Ordinary Time
If you are in a courtroom and happen to be present in one of the hearings, you will notice that before one has to testify, he or she has to make a promise in front of the people. With the Bible on the left hand and his/her right hand raised up, the promise is said, “I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”
With this, we expect that the one who testifies will tell only the truth and nothing but the truth, hoping that God will help.
The people during the time of Christ used oaths to make sure that what they say is true. They even pledged by their ancestors, their family members, and used the name of God as backups for what they have to say, to ensure honest and truthful statements.
In today’s Gospel, however, Jesus makes it clear to his disciples that what is important is not the promise nor the backups, but the truthfulness of their words. They do not need to swear at anybody’s expense nor need a guarantor for their words, but simply the honesty of their words is enough.
In other words, Jesus is asking his disciples to be honest and truthful at all times, after all, a persons’ word is his honor. Besides, lies and deception can often lead to a strain in a relationship with one another, and with God.
But what is even more important than a truthful word is a truthful action.
It is better to be of less words but of great work and deeds. Let us then be honest and sincere in our relationships with one another and with the Lord.
Let us be like oats and shelf out our husks of lies and deception for only then will our essence be useful.
