HOPE40 - Day 37 - When Hope is Betrayed

Wednesday of Holy Week

Today's Scripture: Matthew 26:14-25

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Judas Goes to Find the Jews by James Jacques Tissot

“Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, ‘Surely it is not I, Rabbi?’”—Matthew 26:25

This day is often called Spy Wednesday - not because of espionage in the modern sense, but because of the secret betrayal that Judas plotted behind Jesus’ back. Thirty pieces of silver… the price of a slave. That’s what the Son of God was sold for.

There is a deep ache in this passage. Jesus, who offered everything in love, is betrayed by one of His own. And yet, Jesus knew. He saw Judas’ heart. And still, He invited him to the table. Even in the shadow of betrayal, Jesus is never without hope. He stays present. He keeps loving despite the ache.

What about us?

There are times we have betrayed His love - through resentment, pride, neglect, or self-interest. But Jesus keeps inviting us back to the table. Today is a powerful opportunity to return to Him with open hearts and hands.

WHAT TO DO:

Hide and seek with 30 coins (real or play). Use this as a teaching moment with kids about the cost of betrayal...and the even greater value of mercy.
Donate $30 - a symbolic offering in reparation - to your parish or to someone in need, turning a symbol of betrayal into a gift of restoration.
Go to Adoration and Confession - Let today be your “turning point.” If there’s something hidden in your heart, bring it to the Light.
Home Tenebrae Service: A Tenebrae service is a traditional liturgy. Candles are lit and then gradually extinguished to symbolize the disciples abandoning Jesus. This solemn observance can be adapted for family participation at home. More on this beautiful service here - including a pdf to download.

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus, You were betrayed by one You called friend - and still, You loved. Still, You invited. Still, You forgave. Help me to bring into the light anything I have kept hidden from You or from others. When I feel hurt or betrayed, anchor me in the truth that You are always near. Give me courage to seek healing where there is fracture, to speak truth where there has been silence, and to offer mercy where it is hardest to give. Anchor my heart in Your mercy, and guide me into hope that restores and never condemns. Amen

HOPE For Your Health - You Are Worth Healing

WEDNESDAY: 16:8

THURSDAY: 16:8

FRIDAY: Extended fast from Thursday after dinner until Friday at 3PM (if you are able).

SATURDAY: 16:8 or you may choose to not fast, but keep meals simple and light, preparing for the great feast of Easter.

Reminders: 16:8 means fasting for 16 hours (water, tea, broth, black coffee) and 8 hours for eating healthy and nourishing food. NO alcohol, sugar or white flour.

Encouragement for Today:

Fasting reminds us that what we crave is not always what we need. Just like Judas exchanged Jesus for silver, we often trade the eternal for the immediate: comfort, control, sugar, stress-eating, scrolling. Today’s fast is a gentle clearing away, making room for truth, healing, and hope to return.

When you feel hunger, ask: Lord, what am I really hungry for? And where do I need to come back to You?

Even a small sacrifice, done in love, can break chains and open space for restoration.

Nutrition Tip: Add Something Restorative

When you break your fast today, choose foods that restore...not just your body, but your clarity and calm. After a 16:8 window, your digestive system is primed to receive. Avoid foods that spike blood sugar and mood swings (like sugary or highly processed snacks).

Try this:

Add fermented foods (like sauerkraut, kimchi, or kefir) to support gut health and mood.
Include clean protein (like eggs, lentils, or grilled chicken) and healthy fats (like avocado or olive oil) to nourish without crashing.

Let today’s meal be a repair, not a reward. It’s a way of saying, I’m worth healing—and so is this temple God gave me.

HOPE For Your Marriage: Healing the Small Betrayals

Judas’ betrayal feels big, shocking, unforgettable. But in marriage, there are often smaller betrayals that quietly break trust: a harsh word, a neglected promise, a forgotten need, an inner resentment left unspoken. They seem small… but they wound.

Today, take time to reflect honestly:

Are there places where I’ve betrayed trust, even in subtle ways?
Have I withheld love, truth, or tenderness out of pride or self-protection?
Is there something hidden in my heart that I need to bring into the light?

Jesus invited Judas to the table. In marriage, you are called to do the same - to come back to the table, again and again, with humble hearts and open hands.

Reflection:

Sit together for 5–10 minutes tonight in silence or prayer. Then gently ask:
- “Is there any place where I’ve hurt you recently?”
- “Is there anything I can do to love you better this week?”

Let this be healing and rebuilding

Warm Lentil & Greens Bowl with Lemon-Tahini Drizzle

Simple. Nutritious. Comforting.

Lentils provide plant-based protein and fiber, greens offer antioxidants and minerals, and healthy fats help you stay full and support brain health.

INGREDIENTS (serves 4)

4 cups cooked lentils (green or brown)
8 cups baby spinach or kale (lightly sautéed in olive oil)
2 avocados, sliced
4 soft-boiled eggs (optional for extra protein)
1 cup shredded carrots or chopped cucumber
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds

Lemon-Tahini Drizzle:

1/2 cup tahini
1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh-squeezed is best)
2 cloves garlic, minced
6–8 tbsp warm water (to desired consistency)
1/2 tsp sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook the lentils ahead of time (or use pre-cooked).
Sauté the greens just until wilted in a drizzle of olive oil with a pinch of salt.
Prep your toppings: slice avocado, boil eggs, shred or chop veggies.
Whisk together all drizzle ingredients until smooth and pourable.
Assemble bowls: Start with lentils and greens, then add toppings and drizzle generously.