Eldho Augustine csc –
Readings: 1 Kgs 19: 19-21; Mt 5:33-37
In our first reading from the First Book of Kings, we witness Elijah journeying to central Palestine to find Elisha, whom God has chosen as Elijah’s successor. When Elijah finds Elisha, he places his cloak over him, signifying God’s call to serve him. Elisha understands this and immediately leaves his family and former life to become a servant of the one true God.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that if we live truly Christian lives, there will be no need to make oaths for others to trust us. All conversations need to be straight to the point and factual, not injected with oaths or profanity.
As Christians, we should always live by the truth, and others will see this in us. We are called to be servants of God like Elisha and to always live with honesty and integrity. As St. Augustine said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Let us strive to live with honesty and sincerity, following the path of righteousness set before us by God.