Be merciful O Lord, to those who approach you in supplication(Esther 14:1,3-4,11,13-14/Psalm 138:1-3,7-8/Matthew 7:7-12)

THURSDAY, MARCH 05, 2020

BE MERCIFUL, O LORD, TO THOSE WHO APPROACH YOU IN SUPPLICATION

In today’s Gospel, Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray unceasingly. This is the essence of the asking, knocking, and seeking He mentioned. The point is that God will certainly answer our prayers.

As to when, how, and what will be given, we do not know. What is certain is He will respond. Vigilance will make sure that when the answer comes, we will be there to receive it.

One thing we must try to avoid when we pray is to expect God to respond the way we want Him to respond. That will be over assuming and preempting God. Not that our prayers are bad but we need to stay humble and admit to ourselves that God will give the best. As God, we expect Him too. The response of God may come as it was requested, through another person, in a better kind, or even thoroughly different.

Since we acknowledge His power and providence, it is our duty to await it with enthusiasm, vigilance, and faith. Just like what Jesus said in the Gospel, if sinners would not give anything that will harm their loved ones, how much more does God?
The Gospel finds support in the first reading (Est. 12:14-25). Esther pleaded for her people to the king. The king gave in to her request. She did it again before God for deliverance. God answered her in an unexpected way. God answers in so many ways. He always chooses the best.

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, give me the grsve to pray well so that you will answer me when I call. Ame.