Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 5, 2020
First Reading: Esther 14.1, 3-5, 12-14
Psalm 138
1I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.2I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.3In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.4All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.5Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.6Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.8The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Gospel: Matthew 7.7-12
7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.9Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?10Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so 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.