The Daily Office for September 21, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
All of the events in the book of Esther occurred during the time of Ahasuerus, who is also mentioned in Ezra 4:6 ("And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem."). Ahasuerus ruled his kingdom from its capital in Shushan the palace. It was during the third year of his reign that his pride caused him to bring together all the leaders of his land to show off his wealth during a 180 day period. This six month period was followed by a feast that lasted seven days.
On the seventh day, drunk with wine, he called for Queen Vashti to make an appearance to show the people and the princes her beauty. But the queen refused. Apparently Vashti was apprehensive about appearing at a banquet filled with drunken people. There was no way of determining exactly what would happen in such a situation and she was probably fearful. The refusal of the queen infuriated Ahasuerus. The king sought counsel as to what he should do among his wise men and the assembled princes. Memucan acted as the spokesman for the princes and recommended that a royal decree remove Vashti from her royal estate and that her queenship be given to someone else. This would mean that even if Vashti showed repentance she could never again be restored to a royal position. This story shows the vast moral gulf that exists between our Heavenly King and earthly rulers.
Collect for the Day
O Almighty God, whose blessed Son called Matthew the tax collector to be an apostle and evangelist: give us grace to forsake the selfish pursuit of gain and the possessive love of riches that we may follow in the way of your Son Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.