Esther – Chapter 12

Old Testament6 Verses

1And he abode at that time in the king's court with Bagatha and Thara the king's eunuchs, who were porters of the palace.

2And when he understood their designs, and had diligently searched into their projects, he learned that they went about to lay violent hands on king Artaxerxes, and he told the king thereof.

3Then the king had them both examined, and after they had confessed, commanded them to be put to death.

4But the king made a record of what was done: and Mardochai also committed the memory of the thing to writing.

5And the king commanded him, to abide in the court of the palace, and gave him presents for the information.

6But Aman the son of Amadathi the Bugite was in great honour with the king, and sought to hurt Mardochai and his people, because of the two eunuchs of the king who were put to death.

Reflection for Today

Esther Chapter 12 presents themes of providence and deliverance of God's people that Catholic tradition has long cherished. God's hidden providence works through human courage (CIC 303). The teaching that God protects His people remains as relevant today as when first written.

The Church reads Scripture within the context of the liturgy, where the Word of God is proclaimed and celebrated. The Catechism teaches that "in the liturgy, God speaks to his people and Christ is still proclaiming his Gospel" (CIC 1088). This chapter, when read in the context of the Church's worship, takes on deeper meaning.

Catholic biblical scholarship, guided by the Magisterium, helps us understand both the historical context and the spiritual meaning of these texts. The four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—open up the richness of God's Word. May your reading of this chapter bear fruit in holiness and service to others.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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