“But I say to you, do not swear at all … . Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.” (Gospel for Feb. 12, Mt 5:34a, 37)
Jesus here decries casual oaths that offend God, but all sorts of deceitful, blasphemous or obscene language is frequently heard in our society today. Taking the Lord’s name in vain — or misusing our gift of speech in other ways — has become commonplace. Showing respect for God is fundamental to the Christian life and doing so in our speech is a pivotal place to start. Let’s speak plainly and keep our speech pure and true to honor God.
Challenge by Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori:
This month, I challenge you to mindfully practice curbing your tongue, particularly avoiding taking the Lord’s name in vain. Second, I challenge you to seek to grow in your respect for God as a Catholic man by participating in the Faith in Action Into the Breach program.
Questions for Reflection:
Do you pay much attention to what you say and how you say it? Do you notice what you hear around you, whether from the people in your life or from media you consume? What are some specific ways you can try to avoid speech that fails to show respect for God?
A good person brings forth good out of a store of goodness, but an evil person brings forth evil out of a store of evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.
Matthew 12: 35-37