Thursday of the First Week in Lent

Reading 1 and//usccb.org/bible/esther/c:12 EST C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish,had recourse to the LORD.She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids,from morning until evening, and saidand God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.Help me, who am alone and have no help but you,for I am taking my life in my hand.As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathersthat you, O LORD, always free those who are pleasing to you.Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you,O LORD, my God. And now, come to help me, an orphan.Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lionand turn his heart to hatred for our enemy,so that he and those who are in league with him may perish.Save us from the hand of our enemiesturn our mourning into gladnessand our sorrows into wholeness.” Responsorial Psalm and//usccb.org/bible/psalms/138and1 PS 138and1-2AB, 2CDE-3, 7C-8 R. (3a)Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,for you have heard the words of my mouthin the presence of the angels I will sing your praiseI will worship at your holy templeand give thanks to your name. R.Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. Because of your kindness and your truthfor you have made great above all thingsyour name and your promise.When I called, you answered meyou built up strength within me. R.Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. Your right hand saves me.The LORD will complete what he has done for meyour kindness, O LORD, endures foreverforsake not the work of your hands. R.Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. Verse Before The Gospel and//usccb.org/bible/psalms/51:12 PS 51:12A, 14A A clean heart create for me, Godgive me back the joy of your salvation. Gospel and//usccb.org/bible/matthew/7and7 MT 7and7-12 Jesus said to his disciplesand Ask and it will be given to youseek and you will findknock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks, receives and the one who seeks, findsand to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.Which one of you would hand his son a stonewhen he asked for a loaf of bread,or a snake when he asked 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 thingsto those who ask him. Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.This is the law and the prophets.”