Yes and No

Today's Gospel ("Say 'yes' when you mean 'yes,' and 'no' when you mean 'no'") is one of those passages that is echoed in the letters of St. Paul, giving us a hint of what Paul knew of Jesus' earthly life and teachings. (Paul actually never wrote a word about Jesus being a teacher; in terms of Jesus' life, Paul focused more on Jesus as our exemplar.) Paul is answering the Corinthians' accusation that he was being dishonest with them, telling them he was going to be coming to Corinth for a visit and then not making the trip. Paul defends himself, saying that the timing just wasn't good, and didn't they know him well enough to realize that he was not someone who would say "Yes, yes" when they meant "no, no"? He was, he insisted, simply following the example of the Lord, who was not "yes and no," but "yes has been in him."
Tomorrow two of our sisters will say their "yes" to the Lord in the definitive consecration of perpetual vows. Please pray for Sr. Jennifer Tecla and Sr. Joane Caritas!