“Be Impeccable With Your Word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”

"No one can be happy who has been thrust outside the pale of truth. And there are two ways that one can be removed from this realm: by lying, or by being lied to."— Seneca: Roman philosopher and writer 4 BCE - 65 CE

Scripture Text: (DT 4:1-2, 6-8)

Moses said to the people:
"Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees
which I am teaching you to observe,
that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land
which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.
In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God,
which I enjoin upon you,
you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it.
Observe them carefully,
for thus will you give evidence
of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations,
who will hear of all these statutes and say,
'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.'
For what great nation is there
that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us
whenever we call upon him?
Or what great nation has statutes and decrees
that are as just as this whole law
which I am setting before you today?"

Values which do not lead to action, to decisions, are not values, they are empty words (Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. Jas 1:22). 

The readings today from Mass remind us to be true to our word, our actions and promises: these make us a true person, not external observances. We are asked to be persons of integrity: "Nothing that enters one man from outside can make that person unclean. It is what comes from within that makes unclean." (Mk 7: 15).

This is never easy in a world of empty words and hallow deeds, where words are not kept and those we love are hurt. We see at present a time of fleeting desires and shallow wants, where we so often are unable to see beyond our self-centeredness.

Our readings remind us to keep to our promises to God, who is indeed most faithful to his promises and word to us. Our readings remind us to hold on and keep our values, even when the world has chosen not to, and not to be lost in mere external observances. 

Our readings remind us of personal integrity in our word and action.