
Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Matthew 5:33-37
I mean what I say!
Motherhood is a vocation where you learn as you go. Along the way, we make mistakes but hopefully grow from them. One lesson I learned early on as a mom from my heavenly Father was, let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.’ Boy, did I need to learn that lesson. I, a chameleon personality by nature, was transformed into a woman of steel as I put those words into action.
At the time, I was a rookie mom of two with a newborn daughter and a twenty–three-month–old son. God impressed upon my soul to have fewer rules and adopt an “if I said it, I mean it” mentality. God alone knew that my second child would be strong-willed. Thankfully, I learned this lesson from my compliant firstborn. You can be sure that I was very careful to state the rules clearly and have few of them from then on. This lesson has served me well in every relationship to this day, even grandparenting.
When St. Paul says, “I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees,” I picture him being a stickler not only in word but also in deed. No one would have accused him of being wishy-washy. His ‘yes’ meant ‘yes’ and his ‘no,’ ‘no!’
I always joke by saying, surely God put Barnabas with Paul because he was one of the few people who could get along with Paul. Barnabas is the saint called “The Encourager.” No one needs more encouragement than a perfectionist like Paul. I guess you could say that Barnabas taught Paul a thing or two, and Paul returned the favor. Moms, we can learn from them both.
Ponder:
Are you a wishy-washy woman, or are you a strong-as-steel kind of gal in what you say and do?
Pray:
Dear heavenly Father, may we stand firm with integrity so that our children will always know that if we say it, we mean it. May we learn to be an encourager like St. Barnabas.
Copyright 2022 Ellen Mongan
About the Author

Ellen Mongan
Ellen Mongan is a Catholic writer, speaker, and host of WOW MOM podcasts. Her book, WOW MOM: A Walk with God, is on Amazon. She contributes to Catholic Mom, Women of Grace, and Augusta Chronicle. Her most important roles as wife to Deacon Patrick and mother of eight led her to ministry. Learn more and contact her to speak at EllenMongan.com.
Comments