HOPE40 - Day 33 - Step Back

Week 6: HOPE IN THE JOURNEY

Today's Scripture: Today's Scripture: Today's Scripture: John 10:31-42

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The tension is growing around Jesus. The crowd once again picks up stones, and He calmly responds, inviting them to believe in the works that He has done...even if they struggle to believe in Him. In the face of opposition and threat, Jesus withdraws, not in fear, but in discernment. He steps away to a place where people are ready to receive Him, and they do.

This quiet moment near the end of His public ministry reminds us: not every moment is loud or dramatic on the road to the cross. Some parts of the journey are about stepping back, reflecting, remembering what He’s done, and choosing again to believe.

We’ve been walking this Lenten road together for 33 days now. That’s over a month of prayer, fasting, sacrifice, and intentional hope. Maybe your journey has had highs and lows. Maybe your fast has felt fruitful, or maybe messy and inconsistent. Either way, here’s the truth: you’ve been walking. And where are we headed? Palm Sunday is just ahead. Holy Week is near.

Now is the time to gather the graces of the past 32 days and let them prepare your heart for what’s to come. Don’t lose sight of hope. You’re closer to the Resurrection than you were yesterday.

Let Jesus meet you in these final steps.

Let Us Pray

Dear Jesus, Thank You for walking with me these past 33 days. Thank You for the ways You’ve drawn near to me...in small whispers, in moments of grace, in unexpected strength. I admit there have been stumbles on this journey, but You’ve been faithful. You always are.

As we approach Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, help me to slow down. Help me to stay present, to stay prayerful, and to stay hopeful. May I continue to walk toward the cross with You out of love. Deepen my faith, renew my hope, and prepare my heart for the joy of Easter. Amen

Reflection/Journal Prompt

What part of this journey has strengthened your hope the most? How can you carry that hope into Holy Week?

HOPE For Your Health - Progress over Perfection

Today is an invitation...not to perfection, but to deeper offering.

Fridays in Lent remind us of Christ’s Passion. In a special way today, you are invited to offer an extended fast, up to 24 hours, or as long as you are comfortable and able. Prayerfully enter in to the sacrifice with love and intention.

Use this fast as a way to draw near to the Cross. When the hunger rises, let your prayer rise as well. When the temptation comes to give up early, offer that moment for someone who is suffering. You are not just skipping a meal, you are accompanying Christ on a sacred journey.

And remember: grace meets you where you are. Whether you fast for 14 hours, 18 hours or 24, do it with love. Progress, not perfection. Hope, not pressure.

Let today stretch your heart as much as it stretches your fast.

He must increase, I must decrease ~John 3:30

HOPE For Your Marriage: Joy in the Journey

People pick up stones to attack Jesus, not once, but many times, and yet He continues to speak truth in love, pointing to the works He’s done as evidence of who He is. When rejection grows, He steps away to discern.

There is something here for your marriage.

In marriage there may be times when one or both of you feel defensive, unheard, or misunderstood. In those moments, it’s tempting to throw verbal “stones” instead of seeking understanding.

But Jesus models another way: He speaks with calm clarity. He doesn’t escalate. He keeps pointing to truth and goodness. And when the moment calls for it, He withdraws to a place of peace and renewal.

In marriage, we too need those moments, not to withdraw in resentment, but to take a step back for perspective, prayer, and intentional reconnection. Hope is not lost in the tension. In fact, hope grows when you choose to keep coming back, keep softening, keep trusting in what you have built together and in the One who walks with you.

Weekend Challenge

Sometime this weekend, create a space of peace together - no tension, no talk of problems - just reconnection. Take a walk, go on a simple date, or pray a decade of the Rosary for your marriage. Step away from the noise and into a place where love can be received again.

BLACK BEAN SOUP

It's going to be a little chilly here in Montana this weekend, so this simple, hearty soup will be a good way to break our Friday fast and have for lunch over the weekend and maybe even into next week.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1/2 bulb of fennel, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4-5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
3 cups vegetable broth
1 can dices fire roasted tomatoes, undrained (14.5 ounce)
2-3 cans black beans, rinsed and drained (15 ounce)
1 heaping Tbsp Emeril's Southwest Seasoning
1 bay leaf
extra salt and pepper to taste
1 Tbsp lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Sauté the onion, fennel and carrots in olive oil, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add remaining ingredients (except lime juice) and stir to combine.
Bring to a boil and reduce heat as necessary to maintain a simmer.
Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until carrots are softened.
Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.
Remove and discard bay leaf before serving.
garnish with cilantro, avocado, and anything else you would like
note: if you like your soup a little thicker, simply use and immersion blender and blend about half of the soup...or put 2-3 cups in a blender to puree and then returen to the pot. Be careful when blending hot liquids!!