The Church traditionally dedicates the month of March to the special veneration of St. Joseph, whose feast day is March 19th. “He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of his greatest treasures, namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph’s wife,” says St. Bernardine of Siena. “He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying ‘Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.'” Due to St. Joseph’s leadership of the Holy Family, he has been declared the protector and patron of the universal Catholic Church.
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” – Psalm 62:8 NASB
Throughout his life, David developed relationships with various people whom he trusted. Sadly, there were times when these trusted people let him down. Some failed to keep their promises. Some betrayed him for personal gain. Some simply forgot their commitments.
But through every circumstance, he realized that God always was faithful. He wrote, “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him” (v. 5). God provided stability and a sure foundation: “He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken” (v. 6). He was his “refuge” and “the rock of [his] strength” (v. 7).
The Bible reminds us that we can trust God no matter what others do or say! It can be beneficial to confide in friends or family members, but it is most important to pour out our hearts before God.
This involves spending time with Him, confident in our relationship. It means being willing to share every detail of our needs – every thought, every feeling, every concern. Part of that process involves waiting before Him. David commanded his soul to “wait in silence for God only” (v. 5).
Pour out your heart to God. Release every concern to Him. Tell Him every detail of your needs. Receive His peace. Make Him your rock, your salvation, your stronghold. He is waiting, ready to hear from You. You can trust Him.
Prayer
Father, here are things I am concerned about: ______. I depend on You for answers. Take away my worries. Give me Your peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“A Christianity without a liturgy, I dare say, is perhaps a Christianity without Christ. Without the Total Christ. Even in the barest of rites, such as the one some Christians have celebrated and continue to celebrate in places of incarceration, or in the hiddenness of a house in times of persecution, Christ is truly present and gives Himself to his faithful.” Pope Francis
“As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 8:23 NASB
Paul knew that his ministry was a partnership. He couldn’t do the work alone. He needed others. Writing to Christians in Corinth, he described Titus as his “fellow worker.” Titus merited this position because he had been “tested and found diligent” and proven trustworthy (v. 22).
Paul stressed partnership in an earlier letter to this same church where there were divisions. Some were loyal to Apollos while others favored Paul. But Paul said divided loyalties must be eliminated. Everyone needed to work together.
Using the analogy of crops, Paul described how some watered while others planted. But it was God who caused the growth. Using the same word he used to describe Titus, Paul said that we are God’s “fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:4-9).
Paul was reinforcing the principles Jesus taught. The world may urge us to think first about ourselves but, in God’s Kingdom, rewards are given to everyone who contributes in any way. As Jesus said, “He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward” (Matthew 10:41).
Each believer is important. Each believer has unique gifts. And we are to work together in harmony as fellow workers and partners.
Seek to fulfill God’s call on your life. Seek to serve Him and the body of Christ. Invest the resources God has given you. He knows your heart and what you do. And He will reward you based on your faithfulness.
PrayerFather, use me to impact lives for Your Kingdom. Help me to be a faithful servant and a trustworthy partner. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” – Hebrews 11:13 NKJV
Havergal Brian’s life has been called a strange phenomenon. Born into a working-class family on this day in 1876, no one would have imagined that he was destined for a career in music.
Leaving school at age twelve, he worked in a coal mine, for timber firms, and for a carpenter. Yet, despite limited experience, he felt called to be a composer. His music attracted some attention, but the dominant reaction was rejection.
Many thought he was an eccentric. But some saw something satisfying. His champions included influential conductors but, in spite of their friendship, few performances were arranged. He could continue composing only because of the support of a wealthy businessman.
Even though he didn’t have tangible successes, Brian kept writing – piece after piece, for eighty years. It was called “one of the longest creative careers ever.” Yet not a note of his music was issued commercially during his lifetime. We can imagine how discouraged he felt at times. Only after he died in 1972 (at the age of 96) did his work begin attracting the acclaim he missed in his lifetime. His music finally was recorded and played in concerts.
His experience reminds us of Biblical principles. Whether or not we get attention or praise, we are to be good stewards of the resources God gives us. Always be faithful. Always work as unto God, trusting the results to Him.
Prayer
Father, help me work as unto You. Help me to be a good steward. May You be pleased with my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Fr. Mike talks about how God accomplishes his will through us, in spite of our brokenness, and how he is always faithful to his promises. Today’s readings are Genesis 35-36, Job 25-26, and Proverbs 3:19-24.
Fr. Mike breaks down God’s divine judgement, and the refuge he offers to those who are faithful to him. Today’s readings are Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 19-20, and Psalm 99.
Fr. Mike takes us through the last chapter of Daniel and explains how Daniel models for us on how to live in exile and still be faithful to the Lord. We also see in Jeremiah the Lord promise a new covenant that will ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Today’s readings are Jeremiah 31, Daniel 14, and Proverbs 16:21-24.
