Fear Not 220

Good morning, friends. As we wake to May 24, 2026, the words of Psalm 33:1 feel especially tender: “Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.” It is not a command shouted from a distance but an invitation spoken gently to hearts that are trying, even when the trying feels heavy. Many of us are carrying quiet weights right now—rising costs that stretch every paycheck, news cycles that leave us uncertain about the future, loved ones facing health scares or loneliness. In the middle of all that, rejoicing can seem almost unrealistic. Yet the verse reminds us that praise is not the result of perfect circumstances; it is the fitting response of those who choose to stand upright, even when the ground feels shaky. Think of the small moments that still hold light: the first sip of coffee while the house is quiet, a text from a friend who remembered you, the way sunlight moves across the floor in the late afternoon. When we notice these gifts and thank the Giver, something shifts inside us. Gratitude does not erase problems, but it gives us the strength to face them without despair. Living upright does not mean having every answer. It means showing up with honesty, kindness, and a willingness to keep trusting. In our workplaces, our families, and our communities, that steady posture becomes its own quiet testimony. Others see that we are not pretending everything is fine; we are simply refusing to let fear have the final word. So today, wherever you are, let praise rise in whatever form it can—through a whispered prayer, a song in the car, or simply a moment of silence that says, “Lord, I am here and I still believe You are good.” The righteous do not rejoice because life is easy. They rejoice because the Lord is near, and that nearness is enough. May this verse walk with you through whatever the rest of the day holds. You are not alone. #FearNot220 #153of220 #Catholic