Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. // Matthew 1:20

Fear is a funny thing. I see it crop up in my life in the dark hours of the night. I wake up at 3 a.m. and toss and turn. The temperature is both too hot and too cold all at the same time. The fan whirs softly, and the clock ticks rhythmically. And that is when my mind drifts to the fearful. I lay in the darkness of my room and sense a spiritual darkness lurking as it whispers its lies. My weapon against this fear is simply prayer. The Lord’s prayer, perfectly paired with Saint Michael’s, is the ultimate one-two-punch.

I have learned not to entertain the fearful thoughts once my head hits the pillow. I save my concerns for morning prayer that comes with the light of the new day. Frequently when examined with a fresh mind and a peaceful heart, the concerns can be addressed with logic or turned over to the Lord and surrendered.

In today’s Gospel, we read of the Lord speaking to Joseph’s fear regarding his marriage with Mary. Joseph had gone to bed with the resolve to divorce her quietly, but an angel of the Lord spoke to him clearly and said, “Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home” (Matthew 1:20).

What are you afraid of? Have you turned your fears over to the Lord for comfort or guidance? Are you listening to His reply? Take a moment to ponder this question and ask the Lord to illuminate your mind to any fears that are holding you back from doing His will.

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