Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 2, 2023
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 narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Esther presents a moment of crisis where Esther, a Jewish queen, turns to God in desperation. Facing the threat of persecution, she prays fervently, seeking courage and the right words to persuade King Ahasuerus to save her people. Her prayer is a testament to trust in divine providence, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The Gospel from Matthew continues this theme of trust and prayer. Jesus teaches us to ask, seek, and knock with persistence, assuring us that our Heavenly Father, unlike earthly fathers, will always provide good gifts. He concludes with the golden rule, urging us to treat others as we wish to be treated. This teaching emphasizes a life of prayer and ethical living, reflecting God’s love and justice.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on prayer and trust in a loving God. Esther’s prayer exemplifies the kind of faithful petition Jesus describes. Her story and Jesus’ teachings remind us to approach life’s challenges with prayerful hearts and to live out the golden rule in our daily interactions. May we, like Esther, trust in God’s providence and, as Jesus taught, strive to love and serve others as we would have them do unto us.