Thursday of the First Week
In the first reading we meet an anguished Esther, deeply concerned for the fate of the Jewish people and pleading to the Lord our God for protection. Calling on her commitment to the Lord, in defiance of her human overlords, she asks God to save the Jewish people. May we, as Christians follow in the way of the Lord, avoid false idols, so that He may hear our prayers.
The psalm today reinforces the message in Esther. “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.” His “kindness endures forever.” If we give thanks to the Lord and praise Him with all of our heart, He will answer our prayers.
Matthew tells us “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” We must be open to asking the Lord for help for our own needs. But Matthew also instructs on how we should be open to helping others as God is willing to help us with the golden rule — “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”
Lord, let me be open to your message and grant me the courage to act ac-cording to your will. Help me be open to helping others as you have helped me.
Tom O’Keefe, ’86
Member of the Worshipping Community
Psalm: 138:1-3, 7c-8
Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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