Thursday of the First Week of Lent
We hear from the Book of Esther today. During the liturgical year the Church reads from Esther only twice. And always around the Feast of Purim (which takes place tomorrow).
The Book of Esther is unique as biblical works go. First of all a woman is the hero of the tale. A stunning beauty, to the king of the Persians she appears to be timid and simple, just the ticket — a gorgeous wife who won’t give his majesty any trouble, who will remain quiet and demure. Little did he know!
She possesses in spades two “Cs” – cunning and courage. No man rides in at the end of the drama to the rescue. She takes care of business through her faith in the God of her ancestors, thank you very much. Also unique is that this Jewish girl became queen of Persia, of all places. Her willingness to place herself in dire danger is on par with any of the big time male Old Testament figures.
Perhaps the most unique thing of all is that this is the only book of the Bible wherein God’s name is never mentioned. Not once. But the providence and faithfulness of God permeates the work.
Esther, like Daniel, is most likely a fictional character when all is said and done. Both books were composed not to record strict history but rather to give consolation to Judah when they faced annihilation. In fact, Persian prime minister Haman convinced the King to slaughter the Jews in a single day. And over a slight! Esther’s uncle Mordecai convinced Esther to confront evil Haman in front of her husband, the king. This would go against all protocol. Although gripped with fear, she responds, “If I perish, I perish.”
The Jewish feast of Purim honors Esther. It was among the festivals that Jesus celebrated in the synagogue as a child, booing Haman and cheering Esther. Such festive reenactment goes on to this day among the Jews, as it will tomorrow.
How do we apply Esther’s story to our own? First of all we must be careful to not judge a book by its cover. Queen Esther was quiet and even shy but inside she had determination of steel. Those who seem least likely to be instruments of God’s justice may be the very ones that God has chosen to the task.
And that just might include you and me!
—Timothy J. Cronin