Greetings on this the Thursday of the First Week in Lent
Readings: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; PS 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8; Mt 7:7-12
Notes: Governing v Domination.
In a somewhat healthy society, there will always be nuance problems with the temptation of dominating others. We are given to have good governance in the natural order. We are instructed to pray for those with authority so they may make right decisions. The USA suffers from this problem.
In an unhealthy society, there is domination. But in the end, it takes the people to free people. It takes courage to free an entire people. It takes faith, hope and charity and its origin in the Lord. Russia suffers from the urge to dominate and Ukraine the victim.
Even if you now remain silent, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another source [divine intervention]; but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows—perhaps it was for a time like this that you became queen?”
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/esther/4?14
This deliverance is commemorated by the inauguration of the Jewish festival of Purim on the fourteenth and fifteenth of Adar (mid-February through mid-March). The book confronts the modern reader with important themes, the evils of genocide and racism.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/esther/0
First reading
Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, had recourse to the LORD.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has the same recourse.
Prayer:
Save us from the hand of our enemies;
turn our mourning into gladness
and our sorrows into wholeness.
Amen.
Responsorial Psalm
Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
Verse before the Gospel
A clean heart create for me, O God; give me back the joy of your salvation.
Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
- Domination by war is the key problem of Ukraine.
- Domination by intimidation is the key problem of USA.
We cannot fail to mention them together.
- In the first instance, resist!
- In the second instance, sackcloth and ashes for our obstinance.
Read: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/08/us-immigrants-isap-ice-bi-ankle-monitor
Even if you now remain silent, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another source [divine intervention]; but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows—perhaps it was for a time like this that you became queen?”
Prayer:
We Ask, Lord, for right judgment on War and Immigration.
We Seek, Lord, your Sabbath peace for all persons.
We Knock, Lord, at the door of Justice that mercy may flourish.
Amen.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 