We have been looking at Matthew 5:11-30 since March 5, the beginning of Lent. We have been using these verses as a protracted examination of conscience in preparation for Easter which is April 20 this year. The purpose of the examination of conscience is to confess our sins to God and be set free from all the things that hold us back from progressing in our relationship with Jesus. Jesus said that he came to set the captives free and I think we should take him up on that offer. With two weeks until Easter, let's look at what Jesus said about swearing (Matthew 5:33-37). Taking the Lord's name in vain, as we used to call it, has become so common that there is now an abbreviation for it: OMG. And you hear and see it everywhere. In fact, I saw it used in a novel I was reading and "God" was spelled "god". I'm not sure if that was better or worse. But this use of God's name has no relationship to praising God. For reflection: Has any kind of swearing slipped into my speech? Let us pray. "'I am ruined! for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.' "Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'" (Isaiah 6:5-8)
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AliceI started this website and blog on May 1, 2012. I am a Catholic who has been in ministry for many years. I first developed what I would call a close relationship with Jesus in the early 1970s. Ever since then I have been praying with people for healing and other needs. It is because I have seen so many of these prayers answered that I am so bold as to offer to pray for you individually through this website and phone line. Archives
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