Maybe God is not asking for another promise from you. Joe Laughlin, SJ, reflects on the value of keeping the commitments we’ve already made. Based on the readings from the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Have you ever said, “I’ll do that right away,” but then you didn’t?
Words are easy. Following through is harder.
In Matthew 21, Jesus tells a story about a father who asks his two sons for help with the yardwork. One says “no” but later comes around and does it anyway. The other says, “Yes,” but never shows up.
At times, I think we can all be like the one who says yes, but doesn’t show up….
When that’s the case, we are reminded that keeping commitments is more important than making them. “Love shows itself more in deeds than in words.”
It is better to be honest, stumble and repent than to keep up a façade of false promises and good intentions.
Every day, we make commitments….to God and to the people around us. Integrity means matching our words with our deeds.
When I’m tempted to change my mind and go back on a commitment, I hear the voice of an old friend: “Do it because you said you would.”
God, give us the grace not just to say “yes” to you with our lips, but to let that “yes” take flesh!