Wednesday of Lent 3

DAY 19: March 10, 2021 Wednesday of Lent 3- Matthew 5:33-37

“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’  But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.  And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.  Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.- Matthew 5:33-37  [1]

I remember vividly attending the swearing in ceremony of elected officials of our county a few years ago. The judge, fully vested, spoke to the candidate standing before him with these words, “Will you solemnly swear or affirm, to faithfully execute the duties of your office…” Swear and affirm are not necessarily the same. To affirm means, “state as a fact; assert strongly and publicly.” E.g. "he affirmed the country's commitment to peace." 

An oath honors and glorifies God or serves our neighbor. Examples include swearing to tell the truth in a court of law, or marriage vows, when we assure our neighbor that we are accountable to God to tell the truth and keep our promises. 

Jephthah swore thoughtlessly and sinfully (Judges 11:30-40) Jesus testified under oath that he was the Messiah (Mark 14:60-62) Paul called on God to witness the truthfulness his testimony. (Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 1:23; Galatians 1:20)

We are to speak the truth at all times in our daily life and discourse (Ephesians 4:25), without having to “swear” by God’s name. Jesus says in our passage for today, “Let what you say be simply “Yes” or “No”; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37)

 Swearing by God’s name is wrong whenever it is done falsely, thoughtlessly, in order to boast, or in any other sinful uncertain, or trivial matter. 

Give ear to our prayers, O Lord, and direct the way of Your servants in safety under your protection, that, amid all the changes of our earthly pilgrimage, we may be guarded by Your mighty aid; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. [2]

Lord, during this Lenten season nourish us with your word of life and make us one in love and prayer. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen  [3]

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[1] Good Friday copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things

[2]Collect for Wednesday of Lent 3,  http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

[3] Prayer for Wednesday of Lent 3 For All the Saints  A Prayer Book For and by the Church Vol.1 copyright © 1994 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau Delhi, NY