Say what you mean

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

15 February 2026

 

First Reading: Sirach 15:15-20

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madriñan

 

Today’s Gospel is quite a long one and there are a lot of good points for which we can base our reflection on. 

But this one caught my attention.

“Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more is from the evil one." - Matthew 5:37

Today’s Gospel is a reiteration of some of the ten commandments and this verse came along in the end. The verse reminds me of “white lies”, “gray areas”, or “half truths”. How many of us are playing with these excuses once in a while? 

How many of us say the food tastes great (when it is totally not) when asked by a loved one who just learned a new recipe? How many wives are saying they are fine when asked by their husbands how they were? How many of us answer “Yes” when our minds clearly say “No”.

Why can’t we tell the truth? Do we fear disappointing others? Do we fear judgement or rejection? Do we tell white lies to gain acceptance or affection? Or do we just avoid conflict and further explanations. 

Whatever our reasons, our seemingly harmless white lies will send us to the Gehenna as per today’s Gospel. Regardless of the circumstance of the white lies, it is still not telling the truth. Half truths are also half lies. And any lie is a sin. No excuses.

Today’s Gospel tells us to be mindful to “say what we mean and mean what we say” always. After all, "The truth shall set us free" (John 8:32), the recipient of our words shall be free from fallacy while we shall be from the bondage of sin.

Prayer

Dear Father, forgive our habitual sins of white lies or half truths. Teach us to always be mindful of our thoughts and words. May Your truth always remain. Amen.