Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
In today’s lectionary reading, we find Esther, the Psalmist, and David reflecting on different nuances of spiritual and physical poverty.
Because God hears and answers prayers, we can be confident of His help in our impoverished state.
The full lectionary reading can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031325.cfm.
Reading 1 – Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25
I have a friend who struggled with addiction for a long time, which resulted in him becoming homeless and deeply isolated. Late one night, he was completely alone and walking in a tough section of town. He cried out to God, convinced that God was his only friend.
God answered his prayer, guiding him to sobriety and a relationship with Him. Esther’s prayer should resonate deeply with those who feel alone.
“God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you.”
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8
Jesus can declare the poor in spirit blessed because God notices the lowly. He answers their prayers and delivers them from trouble.
I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
On the day I called, you answered me; you increased my strength of soul.
For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he perceives from far away.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me. (Psalm 138:1, 3, 6, 7)
Verse Before the Gospel – Psalm 51:12a, 14a
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12)
Gospel – Matthew 7:7-12
Jesus understands our need for encouragement to persevere in prayer, especially during difficult times. He uses the principle of “from lesser to greater” to assure us of God’s reliability.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.
For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
Is there anyone among you who, if your child asked for bread, would give a stone? Or if the child asked for a fish, would give a snake?
If you, then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-12).
Humans know how fallible they are. Despite their failings, parents go out of their way to provide for their children.
“How much more,” Jesus says, will our Father in heaven give what we need to us. That is why we continue to pray.
Today, as I prayed through the scriptures, I focused on the following needs of others:
- Loneliness
- Protection from powerful adversaries
- Forgiveness
- God’s provision
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed
Real Voices 