HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 1ST WEEK OF LENT

Homily for Thursday of the 1st week of Lent

Esther 14:1,3-4,11,13-14; Matthew 7:7-12.

"On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord," is our Responsorial Psalm, and Jesus teaches us the effect of prayers provided we ask for the right things, God will grant them.

We sometimes look at prayer as what we do in hopeless situations. But Jesus is telling us in today's Gospel that prayer is not the easiest but the best things we should do in every situation. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you" (Matt.7:7).

Why is it that it seems that when we ask, we don't get answers? God answers prayers in three ways. He says "Yes" to the ones that perfectly align with his will. He says "No" to the ones in contradiction to his will, and finally, He says, "Wait" to our prayers when He knows that though such a request is a good one. Above all, the best prayer is for God's will to be done concerning our intentions.

What is that problem in your life that seems to overwhelm you? Take it to the Lord in prayer like Esther in today's first reading, and you will see how God will liberate  you if you do what pleases Him.

If God did it for Esther, He would do it for all who call on him in truth and in spirit. Remember, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matt.7:11).

May God hear our prayers and grant our desires according to his will through Christ our Lord. Amen.