At Mass last night, our priest reminded us that the ashes on our foreheads remind us of our humanity and that our physical bodies will one day return to dust. However, the ashes are placed on us in the shape of a cross to remind us that there is HOPE and that we do indeed have a savior who loves us so much that He is willing to die for us. Jesus invites all of us today to accompany him on the road to Calvary. Are you ready to take up your cross and follow Him?
HOPE IN GOD'S PROMISES
Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel remind us that true HOPE is found in surrender. The path of discipleship is not an easy one as it calls for daily self-denial, sacrifice, and trust in God’s plan. At first, this may seem discouraging. Why would we choose to embrace suffering and hardship? Why not seek comfort and security instead?
But Jesus reveals a profound truth: in losing ourselves for His sake, we find life. Hope is not found in grasping at the world’s fleeting promises, but in trusting that His way leads to resurrection. Every cross we carry—whether in our relationships, health, or struggles—can be an offering of love when united with Him. Today, let’s renew our hope by taking up our cross in humility and fidelity, knowing that beyond every Ash Wednesday is a journey with Christ towards the glorious resurrection.
LET US PRAY:
Lord Jesus, You embraced suffering out of love for us. Teach me to carry my cross with hope, knowing that You walk with me. Help me to let go of my fears, my selfish desires, and my need for control, so that I may follow You with a heart full of trust. May I find true life in You, the source of my hope. Amen.
HOPE for your Health: Laying the Foundation
Your first day of Intermittent Fasting is now behind you! How did you feel? Was 12 hours a lot? Or, was it doable? Were you able to hold to the Ash Wednesday abstinence and meal size recommendations in addition to the 12 hour fast?
Today is day 2 of intermittent fasting with another 12 hour Fasting Window.
Same as yesterday...
Count 12 hours from when you last ate on Wednesday night and do not eat until that time has passed today. (e.g., 7 PM - 7 AM) Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, herbal tea, bone broth or black coffee. This second 12 hour fast should again come pretty easily.
If and when you begin to feel hungry, acknowledge it with grace, allow your body to adapt, and remember—progress, not perfection, is the goal. Let hunger be a call to prayer, and a way to draw near to God.
Friday is another 12 hour fasting day, so you will fast for 12 hours from the time you have your last bite tonight until tomorrow morning. Are you seeing the rhythm here?
Refer back to the Intermittent Fasting 101 document if needed.
HOPE For Your Marriage: Foundations
Marriage is a daily call to self-sacrificing love, a reflection of Christ’s total gift of Himself through His sacrifice. In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that true life is found in denying ourselves and taking up our cross. In marriage, this often means choosing love over pride, patience over frustration, and selflessness over personal gain. A strong marriage isn’t built on avoiding difficulties but on carrying the cross together, trusting that love deepened through sacrifice leads to joy.
Marriage Enrichment Challenge: "Lose Yourself"
Challenge: Similar to yesterday, choose one small way to “lose yourself” for the sake of your spouse—whether by setting aside your own preference, offering a sincere word of encouragement, or taking on a task without being asked.
Another way to “lose yourself” for your spouse is by practicing radical empathy. Set aside your own perspective to truly see, hear, and understand your spouse’s feelings without immediately offering solutions or defending your viewpoint.
This means choosing to listen with love, even when you disagree or when you are tired and distracted. It’s the gift of saying, “Your heart matters to me more than being right.” By dying to your need to be heard first, you create space for deeper connection and unity in marriage.
Fennel Chicken
6-8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 bulb fresh fennel, quartered and sliced into little wedges (save fronds to chop and use as a garnish if desired.)
1 medium red onion, sliced thin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (more if you like more spice)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
1/3 cup kalamata olives
pumpkin seeds, toasted pine nuts (or walnuts) for garnish
orange zest (optional garnish)
We like to eat this all by itself, but will sometimes make quinoa or cauliflower rice.
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 400
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and heat.
Cook chicken until almost done, about 8-10 minutes (4-5 min/side).
Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving enough drippings in the pan to cover the bottom.
Add the garlic, fennel, onions, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables just begin to wilt.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
Arrange the chicken on top of the vegetable mixture and bake, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Serve warm, over your choice of starch (rice, quinoa, couscous, cauliflower rice, etc.
garnish with orange zest, chopped fennel fronds, pumpkin seeds, toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
"By redeeming us, (Jesus) did not thereby free us from our suffering or our pains or our sorrows...His example has taught us how to look upon our suffering in a new way and so to look upon our body in a new light."
~Servant of God Walter J Ciszek, S.J.
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