First Reading

Reading from the book of Esther 

Esther 4, 17n. p-r. aa-bb. gg-hh

In those days, Queen Esther, faced with the mortal danger threatening her people, sought refuge in the Lord and prostrated herself on the ground with her maids from morning until evening. Then she implored the Lord, saying:

“God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, blessed are you! Protect me, for I am alone and have no other helper but you, Lord, and I am about to risk my life.

Lord, I know from the books our ancestors left us that you always save those who are faithful to you. Help me now, for I have no one but you, Lord and God.

Help me, Lord, for I am helpless. Put fitting words on my lips when I am in the presence of the lion, and make me pleasing to him, so that his heart turns against our enemy, to the ruin of him and his accomplices.

With your power, Lord, deliver us from our enemies. Turn our mourning into joy and let our sufferings obtain life for us”.

Gospel

Reading from the holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew 

Matthew 7:7-12

At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Which one of you would hand your son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? 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.

Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets”.