Esther was alone, helpless, and in danger of being killed (Est C:14-15). At certain times, many of us feel as Esther did. However, in Christ we can never be alone, for the Father is with us (see Jn 16:32), Jesus has not left us orphaned (Jn 14:18), and the Holy Spirit has made our bodies His temple (1 Cor 6:19). Moreover, in our helplessness and weakness, God's power reaches perfection (2 Cor 12:9). Furthermore, being in danger of death is not an insurmountable problem for us. Jesus commanded us: "Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot destroy the soul" (Mt 10:28). Because Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25), we are not afraid to die (see Heb 2:15). Death has lost its sting and "is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54).
"What shall we say after that? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rm 8:31) "Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Trial, or distress, or persecution, or hunger, or nakedness, or danger, or the sword?" (Rm 8:35) "In all this we are more than conquerors because of Him Who has loved us" (Rm 8:37). In Christ, rejoice always. "I say it again. Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4)
| PRAYER: | Father, since I've given my life to Christ, the only way I can have a bad day is by sinning. May I be faithful to You. |
| PROMISE: | "Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you." –Mt 7:7 |
| PRAISE: | On a Marriage Encounter weekend, Marge heard and received the message that God truly loved her. To the joy of her Catholic husband, she was filled with a desire to become a Catholic herself. They now receive the Eucharist side-by-side as a witness to their unity in Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College