Table of the Word
First Reading: Esther 14:1, 3-4, 11, 13-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2a, 2bcd-3, 7d-8 (R. see 3a)
Verse before the Gospel: see Psalm 51:10a, 12a
Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12
Theme: Everyone who asks receives.
Reflection
In moments when life seems bleak and difficulties and challenges set in from all angles, one thing gives meaning and hope — and that is God's Word. From the very moment of creation, man has been fragile and always dependent upon God; and God, on His part, has never abandoned him to the whims and caprices of the evil one.
It is on this note that the Evangelist Matthew, in today's Gospel pericope, reminds us of God's continuous promise to always be there for us. Hear the Evangelist report:
"At that time, Jesus said to His disciples: '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; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.'" (Matthew 7:7-8)
God is always faithful to His Word, regardless of the situation. In our human reckoning, we may sometimes think we have been abandoned because of the pain we endure and the challenges we face. Yet in truth, the thought of God's abandonment proves false, for He has us in His mind at every moment. His Word never fails, as Christ Himself assures us: "Everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened" (Matthew 7:8).
Finally, beloved in Christ, just as Queen Esther cried out and the Lord heard her (cf. Esther 14:1ff.), so too will God never turn a deaf ear to our cries for help — even as our enemies, chief among them sin, and the other adversaries of life continue to threaten us. Let us remain firmly assured of God's unfailing love, as the Psalmist so beautifully proclaimed today: "On the day I called, You answered me, O God" (Psalm 138:3a).
Peace be with you!
Prayer
Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord, a spirit of always pondering on what is right and of hastening to carry it out, and since without you we cannot exist, may we be enabled to live according to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen
Thought for Today
"Behold, Jesus Christ crucified, who is the only foundation of our hope. He is our mediator and advocate; the victim and sacrifice for our sins. He is goodness and patience itself. His mercy is moved by the tears of sinners, and He never refuses pardon and grace to those who ask it with a truly contrite and humble heart."
— St. Charles Borromeo
Lenten Commitment
This Lent, I commit to making prayer my first response not my last resort. Whenever I am faced with anxiety, temptation, or uncertainty, I will pause and bring it before God in prayer before seeking any other solution. Each day, I will set aside a quiet moment to ask, seek, and knock trusting that the God who heard Queen Esther and who never breaks His Word will hear me as well.
© Archive 26022026
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