June 13, 2026 // Memorial of The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary // Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 5:33–37
Reflect on the Word //
My father was an honorable and generous man who used pithy sayings to impart life lessons to his children and grandchildren. Often, when our words were untruthful, insincere, or mean, he would warn us: “Even a fish wouldn’t get into trouble if he kept his mouth shut.” Over the course of many decades, the image of an open-mouthed fish snagged on a deadly hook has been a vivid reminder to pay attention to my speech, and to keep my mouth shut. From an early age my dad taught me the importance of saying what I meant and meaning what I said, but my ability to live with this kind of integrity only came much later, with the help of the Holy Spirit.
In today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls out the widespread use of legal oath-swearing in His time that provided loopholes in the law and cheapened the value of one’s words. When Jesus instructed His followers to let their yes be yes and their no be no, He challenged them to go beyond the external or superficial observances of the law (see Matthew 5:37). They must cultivate an inner disposition of honesty and trustworthiness, expressed in both words and actions.
Jesus is also instructing me as a disciple living in a world of endless talk, empty promises, and words that lack clarity and truth. Jesus calls me to be different from the prevailing culture, to be trustworthy in what I say and do, and to reflect the character of God Who is Truth. This means I am striving to always tell the truth, with no white lies or half-truths that deflect the blame or self-protect. I am striving to always follow through on what I’ve agreed to do (or not do) without fanfare or excuses—when others are watching, or when no one notices.
Sister, join me in being a woman of the Word and a woman of your word! With the help of the Holy Spirit and the grace of the Sacraments, our words—truthful and trustworthy—can be powerful instruments of God’s love.
Relate to the Lord // Ask the Holy Spirit make you a woman of the Word and a woman of your word!
Debra Herbeck is a Jewish convert to the Church who serves extensively in youth and women’s ministry. She has directed Pine Hills Girls Camp for 40 years and counting, and is the Founder and Director of Be Love Revolution. She and her husband have four children and twelve grandchildren. She is a contributing author to Blessed Conversations: Dwell and Misericordia and the author of the Blessed is She 2026 Lent devotional Who Do You Say that I AM? Find out more about her at renewalministries.net.
Get Your Planner 📒
Be a Woman of the Word
Walk with Jesus
