The Good, the True, the Beautiful

June 14: Saturday of Week 10 of Ordinary Time, Year A-II:

A thought for those who want to reveal the risen Jesus in their lifestyle.

1Kings 19:19-21; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10; Matthew 5:33-37

“Anything more is from the Evil One.” Matthew 5:37

When we back up our words with an oath, we are saying our word alone cannot be counted on. So we swear “by” something sacred to us. Jesus says this is to deny—implicitly, at least— that our words are divine. Every word we speak should be like the words of God. And just as sacred.

Our words should not only be worthy of trust; they should be worthy of God.

God keeps his promises: “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth… it shall accomplish that which I purpose…” (Isaiah 55:11). What we promise, we must do our best to accomplish, relying on God’s help.

God is One: never two-faced, double-dealing or duplicitous. He doesn’t use “spin” or double-meaning language.

God is the Good, the True, the Beautiful. He doesn’t speak “bad words,” false words, or ugly words. Neither should we.  

Jesus said, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63). We should speak lifegiving words, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Words that communicate faith, give hope, express love.

PRAY the “WIT prayer” constantly throughout the day: “Lord, do this with me, do this in me, do this through me. Let me think with your thoughts, and speak with your words, and act as your body on earth.”

PRACTICE: Every morning, make the Sign of the Cross on your lips. Consecrate your speech to God.