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: | "The father of a just man will exult with glee; he who begets a wise son will have joy in him" (Prv 23:24). St. Joseph, pray for all fathers. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College