“ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE” (Matt 7:7)

⏰Thursday of the First Week of Lent (14 March 2019)

📖Esther 14:1, 3-4, 11, 13-14; Ps 138:1-2a, 2bcd-3, 7d-8 (R.v.3a); Matt 7:7-12apaa

🎤”ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE” (Matt 7:7)

Do you remember what we said two days ago, precisely on Tuesday, concerning the effectiveness of God’s word (cf. Isa 55:10-11)? With that, we encouraged ourselves to enter into a loving relationship with God where trust and mutual love reign.

Queen Esther knew the value of being in such a relationship. Hence she took respite in God in the face of deep anxiety and asked God to save her and her Jewish people from the hands of their enemies (cf. Esth 14:1-14).

By the way, Chapters 11 – 16 of the Book of Esther are considered as additions introduced by the Greek version of the Old Testament but missing in the Hebrew text. These chapters are found mostly in Catholic versions of the Bible where they are considered among the deuterocanonical books.

Those chapters appear to correct the impression of worldliness created in the first ten chapters, with no reference made to God, but here, God is mentioned about 50 times. Knowing that the book was written to encourage the suffering Jews, those additions would serve to remind them that their help shall come from God.

Jesus passes the same message to us in Matt 7:7-11. God would not refuse us whatever that is good which we ask of him. Your condition may be as bad as the condition of the Jews as pictured in the Book of Esther. Never get yourself worked up because our Lord is bigger that all your problems. Just ask him to help you and experience his transformation.

As you build your trust on God, may he and answer all your prayers through Christ our Lord. Amen

Have a grace-filled and relaxed day. Peace be with you.