Ask and you shall receive

Esther 4:17, Mt. 7:7-12. The story of Esther in today's first reading illustrates the promise: “Ask and you shall receive”. At her prayer, God saved her people from mortal danger as they were faced with annihilation at the hands of those who plotted against them. The order of the king to destroy Israelites have been written into law and destruction of Israel seemed to be certain. Esther had to risk going to Persian king on their behalf, which she knew could cost her life. She could not sit in her privileged ivory tower while her people were destroyed. That would leave her haunted with guilt all her days. Esther beseeched the Lord to show mercy and love for the sake of her people, the beloved children of God, who were about to be massacred and destroyed without means to protect themselves.

God listened to her pleas and softened the heart of the king of Persia when Esther came before him. This is exactly what Jesus told His disciples in today's Gospel, that if only we ask, it shall be given to us, knock and the door will be opened to us. God will not abandon us in our time of need. Just as Esther came before the king of Persia, risking her own life, Christ came between us and our eternal death, baring His own life on the cross, to become our Hope and Salvation. In this season of Lent, we are called to rediscover once again the love of God, the merciful gaze of His eyes which is always upon us. We have often ignored His love and refused to listen to His call in our hearts, while He calls us to receive His mercy. Let us no longer do what we have always done and stop being so stubborn. Let us allow God to enter into our lives and will be forgiven, by our sincere repentance.

May the Lord grant us the grace to trust God at all times and to cultivate our filial relationship with Him through prayer and doing His will! Amen!! Good morning and have a great day!!!