Thursday of the First Week of Lent - March 2, 2023

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 Esther 12, 14-16, 23-25 Matthew 7:7-12

In today’s first reading, Esther had faith that God would give her the words to convince the king to show mercy on her people and save them from their enemies. Like Esther, there was a time in my life that I felt alone and wandering through the desert. I would pray that God would take my hand, walk with me and guide me through.

We must acknowledge that we need God’s help and that God alone has the power to save us. Faith is believing that God will take care of us; faith is what gets us through those unanswered questions of why, when or how. A very wise man (Steve Engler) once told me if you have all the answers, then you would not need faith. Faith is what carries us through the uncertainties of life.

In the Gospel of Matthew God says “Do unto others whatever you would have them do unto you”. God is our perfect example of giving. He will watch for our needs but we must be patient, which can be very difficult. God will answer our prayers according to his perfect plan for us.

We must do good to others, trusting that He will reward us later. God calls us to treat each other with love and respect. We are called during this Lenten season to ask ourselves, “How can we help our brothers and sisters in Christ?” We have so many opportunities to help others through volunteering, or even just a kind word that will show love and respect towards all of God’s creation.

Q: What can I do to help those in need to show God’s love this Lent?

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