knocks, the door will be opened. Would any of you give a stone to your son, when he asks for
bread? Or give him a snake, when he asks for a fish? However bad you may be, you know how
to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good
things to those who ask him!
So, do to others whatever you would that others do to you: there, you have the law and the
prophets.
Reflect
Anyone who has spent time around small children is well-acquainted with the phrase, “I can
do it by myself.” Being able to feed, bathe, and dress themselves are important developmental
milestones for children. Plus, they offer signs of relief for exhausted parents.
But today’s readings remind us that we can prize independence and self-reliance too much.
We all need God and the help of our brothers and sisters. None of us can do it on our own.
Even Queen Esther, despite her status and wealth, needs to turn to the Lord in her time of
need. It can be frightening to let go of control and trust in God. But Jesus assures us that
God will respond to all of our requests as a loving Father. He will make sure that we have all
we need. And then, following God’s example, we are called to do the same for our brothers
and sisters in need. We should treat them as God treats us, with loving concern.
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