First Reading - Esther 4:17
Gospel - Matthew 7:7-12
The first reading presents us with Queen Esther, a woman who finds herself in a desperate situation. Her people, the Jews, are facing destruction, and she alone has the chance to intervene before the king. But she knows that approaching the king uninvited could cost her life. Instead of relying on her status or human wisdom, she turns to God in prayer. Her words are filled with humility and complete dependence on God: "Help me, who am alone and have no help but you." She does not demand, nor does she act out of fear. She places everything into God’s hands, trusting that He will guide her. Her prayer is an example of true faith—seeking God not as a last resort but as the foundation of her actions.
The Gospel reinforces this message with Jesus’ teaching on prayer. He invites us to ask, seek, and knock—a call to persistence in our relationship with God. The verbs used here indicate continuous action, reminding us that prayer is not a one-time request but a constant turning to God. Jesus assures us that God, who is our loving Father, will always respond—not necessarily by giving exactly what we ask for, but by granting us what is truly good for us.
However, prayer is not just about asking for things. Jesus immediately follows this teaching with the Golden Rule: "Do to others whatever you would have them do to you." This reminds us that true prayer transforms us. It deepens our trust in God and shapes our hearts to be more generous, kind, and forgiving toward others.
Dear friends, how often do we persist in prayer? Do we trust God even when He seems silent? Queen Esther teaches us to turn to God in humility, and Jesus assures us that our prayers do not go unheard. At the same time, our prayers must move us to action—to live out God’s love in our relationships.
As we continue our Lenten journey, let us strengthen our life of prayer, trusting that God hears and answers in ways beyond our understanding. Let our faith not be passive but active, transforming us to be channels of His love and mercy in the world.
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