Reflection: We habitually focus on Esther’s beauty and bravery, skimming over the bloodthirsty parts of her story and ignoring her shadow side. Did you notice the slippage between Esther’s initial request, the edicts Mordecai dictates, and what eventually ensues? Esther and Mordecai pre-empt Haman’s scheduled pogrom with an officially mandated slaughter of their own (9:5). With governors and officials aiding and abetting the Jews (9:3), over 75,000 are killed (9:11).
Imagine you are Esther as you reflect on this poem.
Her people are saved
Haman hangs
on the gallows
he prepared for the Jews.
The people rejoice
The feast of Purim
is celebrated.
But Queen Esther reflects:
“Haman is hanged
His ten sons are hanged
His followers are slaughtered
But I cannot rejoice.”
Lord, send a better way
to achieve Salvation.
Father Jim Hasse, SJ
How might you (Esther) protect the Jews without resorting to violence?
Engaging our world: How are God’s people called to transcend cycles of hatred and violence today?
Prayer: Loving God, you have given us a better way to achieve salvation. Lord Jesus, you refused to return evil for evil, but returned evil with good; help us to do as you did. Holy Spirit, strengthen us to follow the way of the cross, not the way of the sword. Amen.