Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 10, 2022
First Reading: Esther 14.1, 3-5, 12-14
Psalm 138
1I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.2I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.3When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.4May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.5May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.6Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.8The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands.
Gospel: Matthew 7.7-12
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up 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.