Daily Readings - Thu Mar 10 2022
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 lessons on trust in God and ethical living. In Esther 14:1,3-5,12-14, we find Esther in a dire situation, turning to prayer as her only hope. As a Jewish queen in Persia, Esther uses her position to intercede for her people, showing unwavering trust in God's power and providence. Her prayer reflects deep faith and a reliance on God's deliverance, demonstrating how, in times of crisis, prayer becomes our anchor.
In the Gospel, Matthew 7:7-12, Jesus teaches on the nature of prayer and the Golden Rule. He encourages persistence in prayer, comparing it to a father's love for his child. Jesus emphasizes that if earthly fathers give good gifts, how much more will the Heavenly Father give. Then, He ties this to ethical behavior, instructing to treat others as we wish to be treated. This teaching bridges prayer and action, showing that trust in God leads to treating others with love and respect.
Both readings connect through themes of trust, prayer, and ethical action. Esther's example shows trusting God in difficult times, while Jesus teaches that prayer leads to ethical living. In our daily lives, we can apply this by trusting in God's plan, persisting in prayer, and applying the Golden Rule in our interactions. Let us reflect on how we can trust God more deeply and live out His love in our actions, making His presence known in our world.