As today is Thursday, March 13, 2025, during the First Week of Lent, the Catholic Mass readings are as follows:
First Reading: Esther 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 said: “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 forefathers that 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.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8
Response: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; for you have heard the words of my mouth. I will sing praise to you in the sight of the angels. I will worship toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name.
Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12
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; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
