Daily Readings - Thu Mar 05 2020
Esther
1Queen Esther also, fearing the danger that was imminent, fled to the Lord3And she begged the Lord God of Israel, saying, "My Lord, who alone is our King, help me, a solitary woman, for there is no other helper but you4My peril is close at hand5I have heard from my father that you, Lord, chose Israel from among all nations and our fathers from among all their former ancestors, to possess them as an everlasting inheritance, and you have done for them just as you said12Be mindful, Lord, and show yourself to us in the time of our tribulation, and give me faith, Lord, King of gods and of every power13Grant fitting words to my mouth in the sight of the lion, and transform his heart to hate our enemy, so that both he, and the others who conspire with him, may perish14But free us by your hand, and help me, who has no other helper but you, Lord, who holds the knowledge of all things
Matthew
7Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you8For everyone who asks, receives; and whoever seeks, finds; and to anyone who knocks, it will be opened9Or what man is there among you, who, if his son were to ask him for bread, would offer him a stone10or if he were to ask him for a fish, would offer him a snake11Therefore, if you, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your sons, how much more will your Father, who is in heaven, give good things to those who ask him12Therefore, all things whatsoever that you wish that men would do to you, do so also to them. For this is the law and the prophets
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful expressions of faith and trust in God’s providence. The first reading from the Book of Esther presents us with a queen who, faced with the threat of annihilation for her people, turns to the Lord in prayer. Esther’s plea is not one of self-reliance but of humble dependence on God, acknowledging His sovereignty and His covenant with Israel. She asks for the courage and wisdom to act in the face of danger, trusting that God will intervene on behalf of His people. This passage reminds us that even in moments of great uncertainty, prayer is our most powerful resource.
The Gospel reading from Matthew complements this theme of trust in God. Jesus teaches us about the efficacy of prayer, encouraging us to ask, seek, and knock with confidence. He reminds us that our heavenly Father, unlike human parents who may fail us, desires to give us good things. Jesus then connects this teaching to the Golden Rule, instructing us to treat others as we would like to be treated. This is not merely a moral guideline but a reflection of God’s own love and justice.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and with others. Esther’s example shows us that faith is not passive but active—it involves trusting in God’s plan and taking courageous action when called. Jesus’ teaching, on the other hand, challenges us to live out our faith in how we treat others, recognizing that our actions have consequences both for ourselves and for those around us. As we navigate the challenges of daily life, may we turn to prayer with the same trust as Esther and may we strive to love and serve others with the same generosity that God shows us.