Marg Gobius, Leader of School Evangelisation at MacKillop College, reads today from the Gospel of Matthew (5:33-37) in which Jesus says, ‘All you need say is “Yes” if you mean yes, “No” if you mean no; anything more than this comes from the evil one.’

Marg says, in this Gospel Jesus teaches his disciples and us the profound value of honesty and simplicity in our words. By advising us not to swear oaths, He emphasizes that our integrity should be so evident that a simple “Yes” or “No” is enough.

This reflection highlights the importance of living a life of authenticity and truth, where one’s word is trusted without the need for elaborate promises.

Jesus calls us to be genuine in our commitments and interactions, reminding us that our honesty reflects our faith and respect for God’s presence in every aspect of our lives. This guidance encourages us to cultivate trustworthiness and transparency, fostering a community built on mutual respect and sincere communication.

And so, Marg invites us to pray:

Lord, grant us the grace to speak with honesty and simplicity, reflecting Your truth in our every word. Help us to live with integrity, so that our “Yes” means yes and our “No” means no, always honouring Your presence in our lives. Amen