1Reflection for June 13, Saturday; Tenth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 5:33-37

Gospel: Matthew 5:33-37

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.”

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Reflection:

Do we stand by our word? 

Our words are more than just sounds—they are a reflection of who we are before God and others. As the Bible says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). When we speak, we reveal the state of our hearts. 

If we constantly make promises that we do not fulfill, we eventually lose our credibility—not only in the eyes of others but also in the eyes of God. People begin to doubt our sincerity because they have come to expect that we do not stand by what we say. 

But the moment we begin to value the virtue of word of honor, and the moment we choose to speak only what is true, our integrity becomes clear. We honor God by honoring our word. Our moral credibility becomes our silent testimony. 

Sadly, many today no longer value their word. Lying has become common—even casual—for some. It no longer disturbs our conscience. We forget that every lie not only damages our own reputation but also brings harm to others and distances us from God. 

We must remember that truth is not just a moral value—it is a person. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). To speak the truth is to walk in the light of Christ. To lie is to reject Him and follow the deceiver. 

As followers of God, we are called to live in truth and integrity. Word of honor is not optional—it is a fruit of a life grounded in God. We must reject all forms of lying and manipulation. Why? 

Because the one who makes a habit of lying, even in secret, aligns himself with Satan—the father of lies and the master manipulator. – Marino J. Dasmarinas