February 26, 2026 // Thursday of the First Week in Lent // Optional Memorial of Saint Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25
Reflect on the Word //
My bed was a padded church pew, and I lay weeping silently, for fear of troubling a parent or sibling. My parents had received eviction notices, but were hoping and praying for a last-minute miracle. I’d tried my hardest to believe, but knew I had doubted, and now we were forced out of our home. Thankfully, our pastor offered temporary shelter in the church to our family of ten. My whole body cried out to God from the pew in the dark: God, I know You are good. My parents don’t deserve this; maybe it’s my fault. Please! Only You can save us!
In today’s First Reading Queen Esther recalls how she was taught of God’s goodness before crying out to God to save her and her people. I, too, was taught of God’s goodness. Unfortunately, I’d also ingested the idea that God punishes those who fail to perfectly demonstrate faith in Him. When I bring this to Jesus, He leads me to ponder these words from Esther’s prayer: “Save us from the hand of our enemies; turn our mourning into gladness and our sorrows into wholeness” (Esther C:25). The enemies I most often face are lies about Who God is and who I am in relation to Him. He wants me to know His goodness to my core, to trust that He loves me even in my weakness.
We can make Esther’s prayer our own. Jesus delivers us from every lie, doubt, and fear that attacks our faith. When we turn to Him in mourning, He enters our sad hearts, expanding our capacity to receive joy and gladness. If sorrows fragment and exhaust us, He strengthens and gathers our scattered parts, making us wholly alive in Him. He saves us!
Relate to the Lord // What lie, doubt, or fear do you need to share with Jesus so He can save you?
Lani Bogart was born in Hawaii and grew up in Ohio and Michigan. She was a small child when she began to love Jesus. She’s at home in Texas with her woodworker Deacon husband near their children and grandchildren, Lani is also an active spiritual director and trauma healing volunteer. You can read more at Lanibogart.blog
Lani Bogart nació en Hawaii y creció en Ohio y Michigan. Era una niña pequeña cuando empezó a amar a Jesús. Está en su casa en Texas con su esposo, un carpintero diácono, cerca de sus hijos y nietos. Lani también es una directora espiritual activa y voluntaria de curación de traumas. Puedes leer más en Lanibogart.blog
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