Reflection on Matthew 5:33-37 ~
We consist of body, mind, spirit, and soul. Jesus wants us to firmly hold onto this truth by keeping these elements together to make us whole. If we are not truthful, we effectively disassociate various parts of ourselves. For example, we need to consider that our promises (oaths) always include our soul, so if we shake hands (body) only in partial agreement (mind) without prayer beforehand (spirit), we are disrupting commitments and sacrifices that we make to and for God (via our soul). Without this unity of ourselves, we cannot be the person we should be for others.
Jesus Discourses with His Disciples by James Tissot (full resolution) and for more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 5:33-37 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
Concerning Oaths
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this daily Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Matthew 5:33-37 Reflection – Our Promises.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Matthew 5 Bible passage.
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