Virtual Retreat

Daily scriptural reflections by Fr. Rory Pitstick, SSL from Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane, WA
Also available via daily email

Friday, February 27, 2009

Daily Retreat 03/05/09

2009 Mar 5 Thu: Lenten Weekday
Est C: 12. 14-16. 23-25/ Ps 127(138): 1-2ab. 2cde-3. 7c-8/ Mt 7: 7-12

From today’s readings:  “Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, had recourse to the LORD....  Lord, on the day I called for help, You answered me....  If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him....”

God, Our Last Recourse

The Bible, all of history, and often enough our own lives too tell the tale of the frantic search for aid in moments of dire need, and when no other help is to be found, God is finally invoked as the last recourse. The prayer of Queen Esther, at the very heart of that book of the Bible, is such an instance of turning to God as the only hope for her and her people.

Yes, God is there when we need Him most, but, it’s good to remember too that, in truth, we always need Him!  Jesus taught that we should turn to God in prayer, not just when we’ve tried everything else, but at all times in life, even for our “daily bread.”  Prayer in our life then should not be something extraordinary - every day should be lived with its share of asking, seeking, knocking, praying to our God as our first recourse!