May 26, 2026 // Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-16
Reflect on the Word //
It is a weighty matter to tell a child about a sin. As a student teacher this past year and as a mother of three teens, a ten-year-old, and a newborn, I have found myself often in the position of advising young people in moral matters. It almost seems easier at times to let them continue on in ignorance than to shape their consciences with advice and God’s law. But on the other hand, as a parent and educator, I have been given a special call to share the Good News and to trust the Holy Spirit to guide me in saying the true and correct thing.
Our first pope, Saint Peter, writes about the prophets in the First Reading, how they knew that the words they were being given were for the salvation of the souls of those to whom they spoke. The Holy Spirit was sent to them to show them what to say. The Holy Spirit is also sent to us, and in our Baptism we are also prophets, called to listen for God’s promptings and speak the truth to others. The Lord tells us to “[b]e holy because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). And He does not abandon us to do this alone. When we set our hopes on His grace, we can trust that He will help us lead others out of the darkness of ignorance. We can trust that those who receive our advice will have the help they need to live in the light of truth. Only when we know the truth can we live in true freedom.
Sister, the world will always tempt us to take the easy way out—to look the other way when we notice people doing wrong (even our children or students) or to give into slothful negligence of our own duties. But we are no longer ignorant. We are meant to live in the light of truth. We are meant to be holy, and He Who calls us will help us every step of the way.
Relate to the Lord // Ask the Holy Spirit to inspire your words today. Strive to speak with truth and charity.
Susanna Spencer holds a master's in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and is the Devotions Editor for Blessed is She. She is a freelance writer and editor and a teacher. She lives with her philosopher husband, three teen daughters, one pre-teen son, and a miracle baby girl in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She loves reading theology and novels, attending beautiful liturgies, cooking delicious food, and casually following baseball. She is the author of the Gospel Studies including Seek His Kingdom: A Meditation on Matthew , Listen to Him: A Meditation on Mark, Preach in His Name: A Meditation on Luke, and Abide in His Love: A Meditation on John. She was the contributing author and editor for our children’s devotional prayer book, Rise Up. She was the Theological Editor of the Blessed Conversations Studies. Find out more about her here.
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