Daily Readings - Thu Mar 13 2025
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 Esther presents us with a queen in crisis, pleading with God for help in a desperate situation. Esther, aware of her people’s suffering and the danger that looms over them, turns to the Lord with humility and urgency. Her prayer is not just a request for deliverance but also an act of faith, trusting that God, who has chosen Israel and remains faithful to his promises, will intervene in their time of need. Esther’s words remind us that even in the face of uncertainty and fear, we can turn to God, knowing that he is our only true helper.
The Gospel reading from Matthew complements this theme of trust in God. Jesus teaches us about the importance of persistent prayer and the certainty of God’s response. He uses the analogy of a father who would never give his child a stone when they ask for bread or a snake when they ask for a fish. If even sinful humans know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will our heavenly Father, who is perfect and loving, give us what we need when we ask him. Jesus also ties this teaching to the Golden Rule, reminding us that our relationship with God is inseparable from our relationship with others. We are called to treat others with the same kindness and generosity that we hope to receive from God.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God and how we live out our faith in daily life. Like Esther, we may face challenges and uncertainties, but we are called to turn to God with the same humility and confidence. Like the father in the Gospel, we are reminded that God is always generous and faithful, even when we are not. As we navigate our own struggles and relationships, let us remember to pray with persistence and trust, and to treat others with the same love and kindness we desire from God. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also become instruments of his love and mercy in the world.