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What do we do when we hit rock bottom?
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We’re consumed by one of two emotions: hope or despair.
Any addict can tell you this. While some hit rock bottom and find sobriety, others give up.
Rock bottom is perhaps the most difficult place to be in life, a place some of us may have been.
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In our first reading, Queen Esther has hit rock bottom.
Though she’s a Jew, she’s married to a foreign king who doesn’t know her true identity.
One day while in his court, she hears of a plan to exterminate the Jews, a theme that’s repeated itself throughout history.
If Esther reveals her true identity, if she admits to being a Jew, then she may be killed. But if she remains silent, then no one she loves will survive.
What is she to do? Is there any cause for hope or should she simply despair?
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In her darkest hour, Esther turns to the Lord, saying, “Help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O LORD, my God.”
“Help me.”
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By the end of the story, Esther pleads with the king and he relents; the Jews are saved.
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In a sense, that’s what Lent is all about, turning to the Lord in our hour of need.
Maybe we’re not at rock bottom, but a particular prayer has gone unanswered; our future seems unclear, or we’re struggling to hold onto our Lenten practices.
Wherever we may be this Lent, the Lord invites us to trust him like Esther did, saying, “Help me, who have no one but you, O LORD, my God.”
Trust in him and he will act.
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For today’s readings go to: www.usccb.org