Daily Catholic Lectio. Sat, 15 June 2024. Speech minimalism

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sat, 15 June 2024

Tenth week in Ordinary Time – Saturday

1 Kings 19:19-21. Matthew 5:33-37

Speech minimalism

Jesus’ teaching on the righteousness of his disciples continues (gospel reading). Reflecting on ‘making ‘a false oath’, Jesus proposes three alternative ways:

(a) ‘Do not swear at all!’

When we swear, there is a word and a deed. The deed accompanies the word. When the words are trustworthy, there is no need for accompanying deeds.

(b) ‘Yes’ means ‘yes,’ ‘no’ means ‘no’

Why do we tell lies? To protect ourselves? Out of fear! To satisfy others! When we tell lies, we say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ at the same time. Our one lie questions all the truths that we have spoken. They say, ‘trust grows like a coconut tree but falls like a coconut.’

(c) Nothing more!

Jesus says, ‘Anything more is from the Evil One.’ This statement refers to the fall story. Jesus insists on speech minimalism.

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Elisha takes over the ministry from Elijah. He takes a new direction. Mission involves taking new directions. (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 125).

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy