Thursday of the First Week of Lent - March 13

 Esther 12:14-16, 23-25.  Matthew 7:7-12

Today’s Gospel according to Matthew is such a wonderful message about a very important rule in our house – the golden rule of loving others. Jesus teaches his disciples about trust in God and the importance of loving others. This Gospel teaches us about compassion, empathy and generosity. It’s an invitation to treat others with the same kindness, love and grace that we want ourselves. It’s a reminder to live out the love of God in our everyday actions.

Jesus uses the comparison of parents and the goodness of God. As parents, we love our children, despite their mistakes, and God is perfect in His love for us, despite our mistakes. This passage is an invitation to live out the love of God in our daily interactions and to look past our own needs and find ways that we can offer the same kindness to others.

In his message to the disciples, Jesus says “ask, seek, and knock,” which reminds us to pray. God listens and responds to our prayers.

This passage is a simple passage with such a big impact. It encourages us to find God in prayer and to trust that he will provide for our needs and, at the same time, it causes us to be God’s love and greatness by treating others with the same respect and love we hope for ourselves and our children. It’s a beautiful, simple message. As we begin our day let’s all remember the golden rule – to treat others the way we would want to be treated.

Where will I look for God today? How will today give me opportunities to reflect the same kindness, love and grace God shows me each day?

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