Do not swear at all

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

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

Matthew 5:34  But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,

Swear is a confusing word.  I get the sense that it means to have faith in something.  If you swear by something you are saying that this is the way it is going to be and should be, no matter what.  We can swear by Jesus Christ for example saying that we believe he is God and he rose from the dead.

But we need to be careful when dealing with other things like politicians and celebrities and athletes, or even ideologies and religious doctrines. We should not swear by them because God created all things and can do what he wishes.  We need to place our trust in him above all else.  Swear only by the name of Jesus Christ and him crucified.

The division in the church and in politics comes from us swearing by something.  We place our allegiance to something above our faith in God.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to always trust in you first, above all else.  Help me to not place the status and accomplishments or even the character of your creatures above you for you have to will to do as you will.  Rather help me to say "if the Lord wills it".

Amen