MARCH 10

ESTHER 2: 10-11

               A CLOSE FAMILY
      We can choose our friends. There are those we want to keep close
to us, and others that we prefer to keep at a distance. But can we choose
who we want to be our family? We can’t choose our parents, and neither
can they choose us. God gave each of us parents and siblings by His divine
appointment. He put us in our family for a special purpose. A closely-knit
family is one that loves and cares for each other. The children love their
parents by honouring them. That is, they obey and respect their parents’
authority. e parents love their children with a constant care and only desire
for their best interests. Their children are always on their mind.
        We see this closeness and love of family between Mordecai and Esther.
They only had each other. Mordecai was like a father to Esther, and Esther
respected and trusted all his decisions. When Esther was brought to the
king’s house, Mordecai instructed her not to reveal her Jewish background.
No reason was given, but Esther fully trusted him, and obeyed. She knew
that he would not ask anything that was not in her best interests. Every day
that Esther was away from Mordecai, did not mean that he forgot about
her. Mordecai was always thinking about his adopted daughter Esther,
concerned and anxious over her, like every loving parent would. He went
to the king’s house every day to find out how Esther was doing, and to find
out the latest updates of what would happen to her. Mordecai and Esther
cherished each other dearly as family.
         How much do you cherish your family and thank God for them? Your
family will never be perfect; your parents may get angry with you for wrong
reasons; your sibling may be sel sh. But you too are never perfect. So let’s
learn to appreciate them in any case.

       Reflection: What are some practical ways that you can show love and
       care to your parents and siblings?
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Thought: Family is God’s gift to me.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the family that You have given to
me. Grant me a spirit of humility and obedience to love and serve them in
practical ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.