*TODAY'S REFLECTION* Jesus carries on teaching his disciples how to walk in the way of perfection. He tells them to avoid swearing and instead be sincere in their words. People often swear when they need to convince another person that something they have said is true. In fact, for some persons, swearing becomes a habitual way to cover up a lie or some other mistake. Jesus refers to the evil one as a liar, the father of lies (Jn 8:44). Whenever we choose lies and falsehood, or manipulate the truth for our convenience, we are making choices that take us away from God himself. We need to make an effort to be consistently truthful and sincere, so that, as God’s children we may always walk in the light of truth. *PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL* "I waited patiently for the Lord's help; then he listened to me and heard my cry" Psalm 40:1 - Pray with Psalm 40:1-12 (meditatively and seriously). - Lord, I turn every mockery to testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. - I declare that I shall be an instrument of praise to God and testimony of God’s faithfulness to the world. - Pray for strength to believe and wait on the Lord for as many that are despairing now. *Let Us Pray* Gracious and holy Father, please give me intellect to understand you, reason to discern you; diligence to seek you; wisdom to find you; a spirit to know you; a heart to meditate upon you; ears to hear you; eyes to see you; a tongue to proclaim you; a way of life pleasing to you; patience to wait for you; and perseverance to look for you. Grant me: a perfect end, your holy presence. A blessed resurrection, and life everlasting. *Memory Verse: Haggai 2:8*