no fear
"Joseph, son of David, have no fear." —Matthew 1:20
Shortly before Jesus was crucified, He prayed: "O Father most holy, protect them with Your name" (Jn 17:11). "Guard them from the evil one" (Jn 17:15). We need to be on guard, for our "opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Pt 5:8). We are in such danger that the Lord has assigned guardian angels to us (Ps 91:11), and the Holy Spirit has assigned pastors to guard us as members of the Church (Acts 20:28).
Possibly the greatest guardian of all is St. Joseph. He received the ultimate guarding assignment — to guard Jesus and His mother, Mary. He will also guard us, if we let him.
We certainly need all the guards we can get, considering the diabolical threats on our lives, dangers to our health, temptations against our faith, opposition to our ministry, slander against our character, deceptions against the truth, and the chaos in society. We live in very dangerous times. We need more guards than ever, and we need Joseph more than ever.
Thank the Lord for giving Joseph to you as your guardian. Ask him to guard you and father you. Then live for Jesus zealously, boldly, confidently, and safely. St. Joseph, pray for us.
Prayer: Father, may I be safe though a thousand fall at my left side and ten thousand at my right side (Ps 91:7).
Promise: "Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before Me; your throne shall stand firm forever." —2 Sm 7:16
Praise: By obeying God, St. Joseph successfully protected Jesus from a government-led assassination attempt.
Reference: (We offer a Discipleship Retreat entitled The Most Magnificent Fruit: Christian Community on April 17-19, 2015. You can register online at www.presentationministries.com or by calling 513-373-2397.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 25, 2014
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