prayersTHURSDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF LENT — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: “ASK…SEARCH…KNOCK….”
BY: Bishop Anthony Ewherido
Esther 14:1, 3-4, 11, 13-14; Matthew 7:7-12
Prayer is at the heart of today’s Lenten teaching. Queen Esther’s prayer on behalf of God’s people in the first reading reposed absolute trust in God, in whom alone death is reversable. Despite the hopelessness of the devastating situation on hand, God answered Esther’s prayer so that she found favour with her powerful husband, the king, for the reversal of the decree of extermination that was issued to eliminate the Jews.
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In the gospel reading, Jesus reassures his disciples, us, that we can trust God to answer our prayers because that is God’s nature. God’s generous, faithful and providential love never departs from his children. We know how much parents love and sacrifice for their children, to ensure their wellbeing. How much more would our wonderful and compassionate God do for those who put their trust in Him, like Queen Esther did. We must come to God constantly, asking, searching and knocking in prayer. The last verse of the gospel reminds us that we too must become what we expect of God to our fellow human beings, the answer to their prayers, so that God’s goodness and providential love may radiate through us. There is no better time to commit to such a mission than the season of Lent.
Lord, answer me on the day I call. Amen.
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