June 6, 2026 // Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1–8
Reflect on the Word //
I straightened up to answer the phone, leaning the broom against the kitchen counter. “Hello?” I answered, tapping the dustpan against the edge of the trash can. The voice on the other end was friendly and familiar. I wondered, Why is the head of our local Catholic women’s conference calling me?
“Will you keynote our conference next spring?” she asked. I gripped the counter.
You don’t have anything to say.
Why is she asking you?
How could you possibly say yes?
The enemy didn’t waste any time telling me to say no.
“Yes,” I answered, before he could have his way.
I’ve since come to understand, many talks and retreats later, that my Baptism has empowered me to put my prophetic gifts in service of the Gospel. That doesn’t mean I’ll wander the desert eating locusts.
What it means is that I was baptized to share in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly mission of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit empowered me to do so. I have the calling, the gifting, and the commission to do as Saint Paul instructs in today’s First Reading: to “proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).
For me, that involves writing during early mornings and late nights, long flights to speaking engagements, and travel delays. It means intense bouts of desolation and long stretches of self-doubt. But I must be faithful to the unfolding graces of my Baptism.
Sister, you, too, are given the baptismal grace to proclaim the Gospel. In an age when souls are hungry for what is spiritual, but often unable to untangle truth from “myths,” we all can be the witnesses proclaiming Jesus. We can bring light and hope to a world unaware of its own darkness.
It might not be on a stage. Your call will honor your unique gifts and opportunities. You may bring the Gospel to the woman in line behind you at the coffee shop or simply by writing a note to a coworker. But a word of hope, when infused with the Spirit, can bring forth untold light and life. Don’t let the enemy tell you otherwise.
Relate to the Lord // Ask the Lord to show you ways to use your prophetic gifts today to share Jesus with others.
