Day 9: Thursday of the First Week of Lent | SPIRITUAL JOURNEY FROM LENT TOWARDS EASTER

On the first reading (Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25), Ester declares a fast, lay prostrate upon the ground and seeks succor from the Lord for the pending disaster or annihilation of the Jews. Her prayers and supplication humbly begs for God's mercy and protection from their enemies. Here, Esther clearly demonstrates the correct attitude in praying to God. On the reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 7:7-12), Jesus reminds us of the persistence in prayer with a correct attitude just as what Esther had shown during her time. God will not fail us or He never reneges on His promise of answering our prayers. This is what Rev. Fr. Salvador "Budge" O. Orara assures us as he gives his reflections on the readings for today.