On Honesty

Gospel: Matthew 5: 33-37

How often do we hear people begin a sentence with "Truthfully" or "Honestly" or "I'm not gonna lie."  Does this mean that sentences we utter that do not begin with such qualifications are dishonesties?  What do we mean when we use such language?  We love to create elaborate language for our utterances.  Consider the time people spend writing wedding vows, or the angst of the politician deciding on what Bible upon which to take an oath - and yet the promise itself?

This is Jesus' point in today's Gospel portion.  Our speech must be simple, direct, and honest.  Let it be yes if we mean yes, and let it be no if we mean no.  If we are setting about to construct elaborate prose and poetry before either of those words it often means we are looking to obfuscate or equivocate.  If we spent as much time discerning the actual honesty of our answer - yes or no - as we do on creating the smokescreens for them, we would be much better off spiritually.

So, today is a day for us to put away the verbal filler and extensions.  It is a day for us to reflect on the meaning of our words and intentions, to take up the way of simple speech that is honest and direct.  When confronted with the temptations of the world - its power, wealth, and influence - let us be people of the no.  When invited by the Lord to extend mercy and love in the world, let us be people of the yes.  The Christian life is really that simple.