Esther 2:5-7, 8b, 15, 17
“Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai…who had been carried into exile…Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up…This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died…Esther also was taken to the king’s palace…When the turn came for Esther (the girl Mordecai had adopted…) to go to the king…[she] won the favor of everyone who saw her…Now the king was attracted to Esther…So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen…”

Ephesians 1:4b-6
“In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”

Romans 8:15b
“…the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”

Good Father, you demonstrate your love to the homeless and the helpless.

You have included us as precious members of your household.  Because of your concern we are orphans made royalty.

Help us comprehend the honour and privilege we enjoy as your adopted children.  May we grasp the goodness you have entitled us to as heirs of your salvation.

This we ask in the name of Jesus our brother, through whom we have been rescued and placed in a palace.

Listen to ‘Jesus is Yours’ by Ordinary Time