Ask, Seek, Knock: A Heart That Trusts in God

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Ask, Seek, Knock: A Heart That Trusts in God


Readings:

First Reading  -- Esther 14: 1. 3 -4. 11. 13 -14
Responsorial Psalm  - Psalm 138: 1 -3.7-8 
Glory and Praise   - Psalm 51: 10.12
Gospel Reading  - Matthew 7: 7-12


Today’s readings invite us into a deep and personal encounter with God — a God who listens, a God who responds, and a God who never abandons His people.

In Esther 14: 1, 3–4, 11, 13–14, we see Queen Esther in a moment of fear and desperation. Her people are facing destruction. She feels small, powerless, and afraid — yet she turns to God. She prays with humility, fasting and pleading for deliverance. Esther reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear; it is choosing to trust God in the middle of fear.

How often do we try to handle things on our own before turning to prayer? Esther teaches us that prayer is not the last option — it is the first weapon of faith.

The psalmist echoes this trust in Psalm 138:
"I thank you, Lord, with all my heart… When I called, you answered me."

This is not a doubtful prayer. It is a confident one. The psalm reminds us that God strengthens us from within. Even when we walk “in the midst of distress,” He preserves our life. Our God is attentive. He is not distant. He is near.

Then in Psalm 51, we pray:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Before asking God to change our circumstances, we must allow Him to change our hearts. A renewed heart sees differently. A renewed spirit trusts more deeply. Lent especially reminds us that transformation begins inside.

In the Gospel, Matthew 7: 7–12, Jesus gives us one of the most comforting promises in Scripture:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Notice the progression: ask, seek, knock. It suggests persistence. Faith is not passive. It is active trust. Jesus assures us that the Father is good — far better than any earthly parent. If we know how to give good gifts, how much more will God give what is truly good for us?

But the Gospel does not stop there. Jesus concludes with the Golden Rule:
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you."

Prayer and action go together. A heart that asks God for mercy must also show mercy. A heart that seeks God’s love must reflect that love. A heart that knocks on heaven’s door must open its own door to others.

Reflection for Our Lives

  • When faced with fear like Esther, do I turn to prayer first?

  • Do I truly believe that God hears me when I call?

  • Am I persistent in prayer, or do I give up quickly?

  • Is my heart being renewed daily, or am I holding on to old habits?

  • Do my actions toward others reflect the mercy I ask from God?

Today’s readings remind us that God is faithful. He listens. He answers. He restores. But He also calls us to live what we pray.

Let us approach Him with confidence. Let us ask boldly, seek earnestly, and knock persistently. And as we do, may our lives become living answers to prayer for others.

Lord, create in us clean hearts. Strengthen us in times of fear. Teach us to trust, to love, and to live as children who know their Father hears them. Amen

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