Daily Readings - Thu Mar 10 2022
Matthew
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 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.