Thursday 18th February – Thursday of the 1st week of Lent

Reflection: Matthew 7:7-12

IMITATING THE FATHER

God the Father is the author of the popular maxim: “Treat others as you would like them to treat you” (the Golden Rule). Jesus teaches us today about the dependable nature of God the Father. He dares you to ask God the Father for anything, with the guarantee that you would receive it. (Matt.7:7). Esther was not disappointed when she sought the intervention of God in the plight that had befallen the Israelites.

We have a lesson to learn from this nature of God. How often can people depend on you? How well do you keep your promises to others? You should be ready to give your best whenever your help is needed by your fellow men. To activate this nature in your life today, you must draw near to the Father and learn from Him. Remember that it is not by your power that you become faithful or righteous, but by the grace of God. To tap into this grace, you have to draw nearer today in order to imitate Him. The Father says to you today: “draw near to me and I will draw near to you”. (James 4:8)

PRAYER: Father, bestow upon me this day, the grace to be faithful and dependable as you are. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 27 – “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to Himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “Do for others what you want them to do for you…” Matthew 7:12 GNB

Today’s Readings: Esther 14: 1-4, 11-14; Psalm 138:1-3, 7-8; Matthew 7:7-12