Have you ever met a flatterer, or people-pleaser? Those who say what you want to hear but have no intention of following through? Or those who over- promise and under-deliver? It can be challenging to hear the words of Jesus in the parable today about such behaviors. Despite our best intentions, it is our actions that truly mean more than our words. Without actions, our words are a “clanging gong” to use a term from St. Paul. There are many reasons why we might over-promise, but we are reminded of another saying in the gospels: “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No’” (Matt 5:37)/ At some level, this is simply good advice from Jesus the teacher.
As we go about our lives, let us make an extra effort to think carefully before we commit ourselves or say we will do something. Simply modifying a commitment with the words “I intend to...” or “I’ll make my best effort to...” may be all we need to temper expectations. By avoiding the trap of being a people-pleaser, flatterer, or one who over-promises, and instead being a person of action and doing on behalf of others, we will be living the gospel message. – Living Liturgy
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