The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, March 9, 2006
Thursday of the First Week of Lent
St. Frances of Rome, religous

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 or: 4:17 (Esther's Prayer)
Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8
Matthew 7:7-12

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The readings for today have to do with asking for help. In the first reading we see Queen Esther, lying on the ground and praying to God for assistance. In the gospel, Christ is advising His followers to ask Him for help for the things that they need. This is so obvious, that we would ask our Creator for help, especially when we have been asked to do so. So why then is there a problem?

The reasons people do not ask for help are varied. Some do not ask because they have chosen not to have God as a part of their life, or that they see God only as a "Sunday god." Some may not ask because they have not been taught that this is an option. Others might not ask because of pride. They believe that they can handle everything themselves, and that to ask is a sign of weakness. Still others may believe that God has other more important things to take care of, such as wars and starvation.

The gospel however, shows a very personal, caring Christ. He uses the example of a father answering the request of his son. God wants to help us because He loves us. We realize also that every request is a humble act of faith, a belief that God can and will help us.

On a personal note, when an elderly friend and I would go out on errands, she used to start praying that we would find a parking spot. I used to think that she was expecting a lot of God to worry about our parking. You wouldn't believe how often, and quickly we found parking! Her faith opened my eyes. Later on, she had a skin ulcer that her physician said could be healed only by surgery. She looked him in the eye and said "no thanks" God will heal it. And He did!

- Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)

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