By Naresh Namindla csc –
Readings: Est 12: 14-16, 23-25; Mt 7: 7-12
Both readings of today portray God as a Father on whom we can rely in every situation of our life and he will always be there for us. In the first reading, Esther the queen prays earnestly to God.
She acknowledges and accepts her suffering as a difficult one. She approaches God saying, ‘I have no helper but you O Lord’. This reading is an invitation for all of us to have the attitude of Ester when we pray. We need to acknowledge and accept the suffering or problem that we have. By trusting in God’s favor, pray with open heart and with complete trust in the Lord as a child does to her/his father. Father knows what is best for his children. So, whatever he grants when we pray, he does it for our good.
Jesus says in the gospel reading, “How much more will your father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him.” Jesus says, “Ask it will be given to you. Search, you will find it and knock it will be opened to you.” The attitude of Esther is a good example for us to imitate in our prayer. She made herself so humble in prayer and asked God for the help, so we need to be humble when we pray and ask God to fulfill our needs, and ready to accept whatever the Father gives.