The question of Swearing

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Tenth Week :  Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 5:33-37*

*First Reading : 2 Cor 5:14-21*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12*

*The question of Swearing*

*1) Misuse of God’s Name and Sacred Things*

In the Old Testament, oaths were sometimes permitted when done in God's name (cf. Deut 6:13; Lev 19:12).

However, by Jesus' time, people were swearing by all kinds of things—heaven, earth, Jerusalem, their own head—trying to avoid directly invoking God’s name yet still appear truthful. 

This became a way to manipulate or deceive.

*2) Lack of Integrity*

Jesus exposes that swearing had become a loophole to avoid real honesty.

People used oaths to make lies sound believable or to give weight to promises they didn’t intend to keep.

*3) True Righteousness Exceeds Legalism*

Jesus calls His disciples to a higher standard of righteousness—one that is not just about external actions, but about integrity of the heart.

A person of integrity does not need oaths. Their simple "yes" or "no" is enough.

*4) God Is Witness to All*

Swearing by things other than God doesn't avoid divine accountability. Heaven, earth, Jerusalem—everything belongs to God.

Thus, all speech is spoken before God, whether we swear or not.

*5) Truthfulness as a Way of Life*

Jesus calls for radical honesty. In a kingdom culture, there is no need for oaths because the community is grounded in truth.

This reflects God’s own character: "God is not man, that he should lie..."  (Numbers 23:19).

*6) Final Thought*

Swearing oaths became a way to deceive while appearing religious.

Jesus calls for pure honesty—truth that stands on its own.

Speech should reflect the holiness of God in whose presence we always speak.

A disciple’s word must be dependable: Yes means yes, and no means no.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*