💖 HOMILY - JUNE 15 💖

First Reading - 1 Kings 19:19-21 

Gospel - Matthew 5:33-37

April 1 is known as April Fool’s Day. On this day, we try to bluff friends so that we can have fun with them. That's really funny. But can we go on like this? Actually, our life could become such that our words are never authentic and truthful. The readings of the day invite us to be people of authentic words.

The gospel passage invites us to a life of authenticity in our words. Jesus gives meaning to the law of swearing or taking oaths. In fact, swearing by a divine name (temple or God's throne) invoked divine witness or presence as witness for the swearing. As a result, failure to keep that oath would result in punishment. Jesus exhorts his followers to avoid swearing and instead to become authentic in words: to mean what they say. It's an invitation to be firm in one's decision; Yes for Yes and No for No.

The first reading demonstrates the decision of Elisha to follow the divine will for him. Elisha was busy like any other day, but that particular day when Elijah threw his mantle over him, he recognized his call. He immediately responded to it. He made a firm decision not to turn back. He externally manifested this by throwing a banquet for his men (workers) from the same oxen and plow that used to provide for his sustenance. The symbolism of slaughtering the oxen and using the plow for firewood shows Elisha's firm decision to remain faithful to his call. That also shows his yes, once and for all.

Dear friends, it's a great challenge for us to be people of authentic words. There are times when we swear in order to show credibility. Jesus invites us today to be people of authentic words, whose words are credible and reliable.

The authenticity of words is contrary to lies or falsehood. There are moments when we resort to lies or falsehood in order to please someone or for our own benefits. They can do us good momentarily but may not be lasting. When Jesus exhorts us to be "Yes" or "No" when we mean them, it may be temporarily painful and hurtful, but the pain or hurt will remain temporarily. However, the authenticity of words of that person will always remain with him or her.

Authentic words are also reflected in our firm decisions, like Elisha. Elisha's "yes" was firm. It was well thought out and firmly resolved. How about us? How thoughtful is our "yes" or "no"? It's important to be able to take a firm decision of "yes" or "no," otherwise we will have regret for that decision. It's also true that the authenticity of words in our decision-making requires discernment and God's grace.

Let's pray that we may be people who are authentic in words; whose words and actions are never contrary.