Daily Readings - Thu Mar 05 2020
Matthew
7"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.8For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.9Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?11If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!12"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do 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.