In the Liturgy we seldom read the Book of Esther. Through her prayer, which we read today, we get a little insight into her situation. Esther was a Jewess who became Queen of Persia, though without revealing her background and her faith. Because of political intrigue, a decree was issued for the extermination of the Jews. Esther's uncle, who reared her after the death of her parents, has spoken to her about the pending massacre of the Jews and has suggested that she came to the throne of Persia for such a time as this, to be in a position to help her fellow Israelites.

Esther knows that, although she is queen, there is very little she as a woman can do. She asks the Jewish people to pray for her and to fast with her. She takes herself to prayer in a great act of faith. Since she is alone and has no one to help her except God, she turns confidently to prayer. Her confidence is grounded in God's care for Israel throughout the ages: "You fulfilled all your promises to them."