Yes Mean Yes
Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
When people make agreements between themselves they often include some extra condition to help guarantee that the agreement is kept. We all assure our promises this way all the time. Adults guarantee their promises with money, or late fees, or collateral. Kids guarantee their agreements with “cross my heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.” But Jesus calls His disciples to a higher standard. He always does.
Money or fear of punishment shouldn’t be the reasons we stick to our promises; honesty should be the reason. Jesus’ disciples are called to honesty—even when it is difficult. Jesus’ disciples are called to be honest, not only in big things (like not deceiving spouses and children, or not cheating on taxes and tests) but also in little things (like admitting fault, avoiding white lies, and not exaggerating problems). The world might have one standard of honesty, but as Jesus’ disciples we have another: “Let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.’”
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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