HOPE40 - Day 23 - The Paradox of the Cross

Week 5: HOPE IN THE CROSS

As we enter the fifth week of Lent, we turn our hearts toward the paradox of the Cross, the ultimate sign of suffering, yet our greatest source of hope. In embracing the Cross, we discover the depth of Christ’s love and the victory that awaits us through His sacrifice.

Today's Scripture: John 4:43-54

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Today, there is an encounter between a royal official and Jesus. The official is pleading for the healing of his dying son. Jesus responds, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe” ~John 4:48. Yet, the man does not demand proof; he simply trusts Jesus' word: “Go; your son will live” ~John 4:50. And as he departs in faith, he learns that his son was healed at the very moment Jesus spoke.

Can you imagine the joy, gratitude and hope this father must have felt as he made his way home to be with his son? His hope was not based on visible signs but on trust in Christ’s word. The official had to leave Jesus’ presence in uncertainty as he continued his journey, yet he still believed. In the same way, when you face suffering and uncertainty, the Cross invites you to trust in Jesus’ promises, even when you do not see immediate relief. Hope in the Cross is believing that God is at work, bringing healing and redemption, even in your deepest trials.

Let Us Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, As I walk with Christ toward the Cross, strengthen my heart with the hope that flows from His sacrifice. When I face suffering, doubt, or trials, remind me that Your love sustains me. May I trust in Your word, even when I do not see the outcome, and find peace in knowing that the Cross leads to resurrection. Grant me the grace to embrace my own cross with faith, knowing that in it, You are drawing me closer to You. Amen

HOPE For Your Health - Uniting Sacrifice with Christ

Today, we take another step in your journey of fasting by increasing your fasting window to 16 hours. You have been preparing your body for this for the last 4+ weeks and you are here for it!

This is the last increase you will see for the fasting window for the duration of Lent. 16:8 is what it is sometimes called and is scientifically proven to help stabalize blood glucose levels, clear up brain fog and heal the gut, among many other benefits. Using the 16:8 method, you consume all of your calories within an 8-hour window and fast for 16 hours. For example, I finished my Sunday dinner at 6:30PM. I will break my fast after 10:30AM on Monday.

So, from today until Holy Saturday, this practice invites you to rely more deeply on God’s strength, uniting your sacrifice with Christ’s own offering on the Cross.

The Cross teaches you that your suffering is not wasted. When you experience hunger or weakness in fasting, you can offer it to Christ as an act of love, uniting yourself with His sacrifice. Each moment of self-denial is an opportunity to draw nearer to Him and prepare your heart for the joy of Easter.

I found a little connection between fasting and today's gospel reading...The royal official is challenged to trust in Christ’s word before seeing the miracle. In the same way, fasting requires trust in that you may not see immediate spiritual fruit, but you believe that God is working within you, strengthening both body and soul.

Reflection/Journal Prompt:

How does uniting my fasting with the Cross and trusting in things unseen deepen my hope in His power to transform me?

HOPE For Your Marriage: Perseverance in Trials

If you have been married for any amount of time, you have most likely experienced trials and difficulties. How do you get through a difficult season in your marriage? You pray, persevere and get help if you need it. This week, I will be sharing the Marriage Examen again in a downloadable format as well as resources for you if you are struggling.

Marriage, like your faith, calls you to perseverance and trust, especially in times of difficulty.

Reflecting back on today's gospel, and applying it to marriage calls to mind that hope is not based on immediate solutions or perfect circumstances but on trust in Christ. Like the royal official, you are called to walk forward in faith, even when you do not see immediate change. In the trials of marriage - misunderstandings, disappointments, or seasons of struggle - the Cross can become your source of hope. When you unite your sufferings to Christ’s, you allow His love to strengthen and transform you.

Perseverance in trying times means choosing to love, even when emotions wane, and trusting in God’s grace, even when challenges arise. Just as Jesus’ words had the power to heal, His presence in your marriage has the power to restore, renew, and bring new life.

Reflection/Discussion/Journal Prompt:

How can we embrace the Cross together rather than allowing trials to divide us?
In what ways can we be a source of hope for one another?

BALSAMIC CHICKEN AND GRAPE TOMATOES

A quick and easy recipe for your Monday. This recipe comes together so well and has great flavor. If you have the time to marinate ahead of time, that is ideal, but the flavor is still great if slice the chicken into strips and marinate while prepping the rest of the dish. I love this served over a bed of fresh spinach and arugula to get more veggies in my body. Our girls will see me making this and automatically get the rice cooker out to make their own rice!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, or more to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
6-8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, or breasts cut in half
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 zucchini or yellow squash, cut into small cubes
1 lemon, zested and juiced (don't skip this!)
additional olive oil to generously drizzle on top
optional additions: spinach, arugula, rice, quinoa, feta cheese, fresh basil...

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix vinegar, olive oil, mustard, and garlic together in a 9x13 glass baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the vinegar mixture and toss around to coat each piece.
Cover and marinate chicken in the refrigerator for 4 hours (or less or even overnight)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Uncover and roast chicken in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
Add tomatoes and squash to the baking dish and continue cooking until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 10 minutes more. Chicken should be 165 degrees F.
Sprinkle lemon zest and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken. Then generously drizzle with olive oil (or wait and do this until your meal is plated).
Serve over a bed of spinach, rice or quinoa. Feta cheese sprinkled on top is a great addition as well.