The story of Queen Esther told in the Bible book that bears her name, from which the 1st reading of today's Mass is taken, is a fascinating tale of subterfuge and intrigue. Esther uses her wit and wile to get what she wants from the king. But her masterstroke is to use prayer and petition to get what she needs from God: namely a plan for deliverance for herself and for her people.
Some people question why the season of Lent has to be so long. Why can we not accomplish what we need in a few days, like most retreats? Why does it take 40 days? Can't we just do this and get it over with?
Well the answer lies in the fact that Lent is a journey, a process. And as such, it takes time, it takes effort, and, if done properly it is an extensive undertaking.
The first step in this journey is to ask God for the assistance to chart our course. But then, like Queen Esther, we must fast, we must pray, and, above all, we must wait. Then God’s plan for us will be revealed.
May the Lord strengthen us to enter into this Lenten journey properly, and give us the patience and perseverance we need, so that come Easter, we will indeed be able to find ourselves drawing ever closer to the Father’s Kingdom of true and lasting peace.
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