Good morning good people!
May the Lord give you peace, health and happiness in the Holy Spirit.
It is 13th March 2025.
We reflect on Esther 4:1, 3-5, 12-14 and Matthew 7:7-12.
Pope Francis reminds us: “Prayer is the breath of faith, it is its most proper expression. Like a silent cry that comes out of the heart of those who believe and entrust themselves to God.”
The first reading illustrates the power of personal prayer. God grants us the grace to listen to His voice in our deepest yearnings, which we express in our prayers. Many of us are good at encouraging others to pray, yet we often neglect our own prayer life. We may ask others to pray for us, but we do not always pray enough ourselves for guidance and protection by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is the expression of the heart in deep silence. It is not merely about reciting set prayers or novenas to impress others with our piety. God hears our personal prayers when they come from the depths of our hearts and spirits. Vocal prayers are important, especially in communal worship, as they sustain and strengthen any spiritual community.
A young woman prayed for a job, but every door closed. Instead of losing faith, she trusted God’s plan. In time, an unexpected opportunity arose—better than she had imagined. She realized God’s delay was not denial but a redirection to something greater. “As for ourselves, save us by your hand, and come to my help, for I am alone and have no one but you, Lord.” (Esther 4:17).
The responsorial Psalm echoes this trust: “On the day I called, you answered me, O Lord.” (Psalm 138:3).
The Gospel teaches us the power of intercessory prayer. God answers all prayers—not always as we wish, but as He wills for our ultimate good. He will never give us something that leads to harm or failure. Instead, He blesses us in ways that serve our greater well-being, even when we do not recognize it. Often, we are too focused on what we did not receive to notice the unexpected gifts God has already provided.
To have a peaceful and fruitful prayer life, we must live in peace and respect for others, no matter how difficult they may be. When we treat others with kindness, God blesses and hears our prayers. Sometimes, prayers are delayed or withheld because we are not at peace with one another. We cannot expect to be heard by God if we remain in conflict with those around us.
God opens every door for those who are willing to open the doors of love, forgiveness, and charity for others. May we treat others as we wish to be treated by God.
May we have the faith to trust in God’s perfect timing. Have a blessed day!