Reflecting on this passage, I consider my New Year’s resolutions and Lenten promises. For many of us, these seasons signal change and renewal—dedication and sacrifice. Especially during the Lenten season, the things we “give up” are carefully selected to draw us closer to God. Indeed, our relationship with Christ is strengthened through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This is a most holy time!

But what about now, during this tenth week of ordinary time? It’s not the beginning of the year when we are firmly committed to our resolutions, and it’s not the Lenten season when we are often reminded of our commitments. During this time, the routine of life makes it all too easy for me to forget those resolutions and promises, some of which I’ve vowed to maintain throughout the year.

For many years, my commitment has been to grow my relationship with God through daily prayer. Each year, I make my promises to the Lord and ask God for strength to keep them. When I do this, I call God as a witness to highlight the truthfulness of my promises. Essentially, I am promising God to keep my promises to God. Jesus’ words, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No,’ feel like a calling to “make good to the Lord all that you vow.”

So, I reflect on the oaths that I have made to God over the years through resolutions and Lenten commitments. How many of these oaths have I have forgotten? How many times have I failed to remember my promises? This tenth week of ordinary time is the perfect time to renew our commitments and let our yes mean yes and no mean no. I believe that with God’s mercy, love, and grace, we can.