Thursday of the First Week in Lent
“Now help me, who am alone and have no one but You.” This is Queen Esther's prayer in today's first reading.
The scriptures tell us that contrary to what we might assume, Esther was alone. Wealthy beyond measure, but alone. Draped in the trappings of royalty, but alone. Married to the most powerful man in the world, yet still alone. I have the utmost respect for those who stand up for justice. However, most of us rely on a network of support. A community of family, friends, and fellow believers affirm our choices and help us stay strong. But Esther was alone. Taken from her community, she was not even allowed to speak to her husband unless invited. The fact that she still chose to stand up for justice shows us the strength of her character. She prayed to the Lord, her only friend, for strength and salvation as she prepared to risk her life to stand up for justice.
Jesus tells us to follow the example of Esther. s door. He even tells us what to ask for. When I was in grade school I missed this important follow-up. Whenever I heard this reading I would go home and pray for a new bike. right? t mean that God will bend time and space to drop toys onto the front lawn of every child in the world. Jesus tells us exactly when God will answer our prayers: when we serve the cause of justice.
The Golden Rule - this is God’s law, and this is where God will give us strength and salvation. If we pursue justice, if we strive to do what is right, then God will hear our prayers and help us in our calling. Just as the Lord watched over Esther and gave her strength to challenge the King, so too will He give us what we need when we follow His Son, Jesus.
-Eric Grimm