March 11
“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear 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 swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.”
-Matthew 5:31-37
(Please read the scripture passage through three times using the practice of lectio divina.)
Reflection
The word “truth” comes from the word “troth,” meaning a pledge of loyalty or faithfulness. In a time of media spin doctors, “fake” news, and empty rhetoric, what if there were a people whose word you could trust? who kept their commitments? who humbly opened themselves to correction? who sought truth above self-interest?
God entered into a “troth”—a covenant with us—and honored that covenant on the cross in spite of the cost. As grateful recipients of that mercy, we can keep covenant with others in spite of their sins (with some important exceptions, such as abuse). As we extend a loyal love to others, we participate in the revolution of covenant faithfulness and truth that Jesus modeled.
Action (Commune)
Reach out to your Lenten exercise partners. Have you been able to refrain from speaking negatively about others? Has that been difficult? How has it been helpful? Have you been able to love an enemy (personal or ideological)? If not, is there something you can still do this week?
