HOPE40 - Day 15 - The Cornerstone

HOPE IN SURRENDER

Today's Scripture: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

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Jesus tells the parable of the tenants who refuse to give the vineyard’s harvest to its rightful owner. Instead, they cling to control, rejecting the servants and even killing the landowner’s son in an attempt to take possession of what was never theirs. The chief priests and Pharisees realize that Jesus is speaking about them. They, too, have hardened their hearts, refusing to surrender to God’s plan.

How often do you act like these selfish tenants? You want to hold tightly to what you think belongs to you...your plans, your comfort, your sense of control...forgetting that all you have is a gift from God. But Jesus reminds you that true security is not found in grasping for control but in surrendering to the One who holds all things in His hands. “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” ~Matthew 21:42

Surrender feels like weakness to the world, but in God’s kingdom, it is the foundation of hope. When you let go of your need to control every outcome, you make space for God to work in ways you never imagined. When you surrender your hurts and disappointments, He brings healing. When you surrender your fears, He fills you with peace.

What in your life is God asking you to surrender? Is there a burden you’ve been carrying, a fear you’ve been gripping tightly, or a plan you are reluctant to release? Trust that He is faithful. When we give everything to Him, He transforms even our rejections and failures into something beautiful and life-giving.

Let Us Pray:

Heavenly Father, I surrender my plans, my fears, and my need for control to You. Help me to trust that Your ways are always higher than mine, that Your love is my security, and that my hope is found in You alone. May I never reject the cornerstone—Jesus Christ—but instead build my life upon Him. Give me the grace to let go and the courage to trust in Your perfect plan. Amen.

HOPE For Your Health: Trusting in God's Design

Today, you are invited to extend your fast, perhaps up to 24 hours, while listening to your body and trusting in God's perfect design. Remember that fasting is not deprivation; it is a way of aligning yourself with the natural rhythms God has built into your body. Your body was made to fast. From the way your metabolism adapts to periods without food, to the way your cells renew and repair during fasting, God has purposefully designed you for seasons of feasting and fasting.

This extended fast is an opportunity to deepen your surrender. As hunger rises, let it remind you that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Instead of turning to food for comfort, turn to Christ. Instead of fearing discomfort, embrace it as a moment of offering and renewal.

To help refocus your mind and body during this longer fast, consider these ways to shift your attention and stay engaged:

Go for a walk – Movement can help clear your mind and energize your body.
Get outside – Fresh air and sunshine can be both physically and mentally refreshing.
Stay hydrated – Drink water, herbal tea, or a simple bone broth to support your body.
Pray or read Scripture – Use this time to meditate on God's Word or pray for strength, consider heading to church for Adoration.
Tackle a project – Engage in something creative or productive to keep your hands and mind busy.
Call a friend or serve someone – Fasting isn’t just about personal discipline; it’s about growing in love. Reach out to encourage someone today.

Listen to your body today—some may be able to fast longer, others may need to adjust. The goal is not endurance for its own sake, but an intentional practice of trust and detachment. Your body is resilient, your spirit is strengthened by grace, and God is sustaining you every step of the way.

HOPE For Your Marriage: Sacramental Graces

In marriage, it can sometimes be easy to act like those tenants in today's scripture reading...holding tightly to your expectations, demanding your own way, or resisting the changes and challenges that come with this vocation. But Jesus reminds you that true fruitfulness comes not from grasping for control but from surrendering to God’s plan.

Marriage is not just a human contract, it is a sacrament, infused with divine grace. When you surrender your pride, fears, and need for control to Christ, He pours His grace into your marriage, strengthening and transforming it. The Eucharist nourishes both of you with the love you need to persevere, and the sacrament of Reconciliation gives you the grace to forgive, heal, and begin again. You are not meant to rely on your strength alone. God offers you all you need to bear good fruit in your marriage.

Marriage Examen Question #3: How has God been present in our relationship?

It is easy to focus on struggles or areas that need improvement, but take a moment to see how God has been working in your marriage. Have there been moments of unexpected grace, deepened understanding, or healing? Has He provided for you in ways you didn’t anticipate? Recognizing His presence reminds us that we are never alone—He is always guiding, strengthening, and renewing your love.

Challenge:

Is there an area in your marriage where you are holding on too tightly? Ask God for the grace to surrender it. Together with your spouse, consider receiving the sacraments this weekend; go to Confession and attend Mass together, receiving the Eucharist as a source of gratitude and renewal for your marriage.

QUICK AND EASY BONE BROTH

Pressure Cooker

I must admit that making my own bone broth initially grossed me out. Then, years ago, when we started getting our beef locally and received a bunch of "soup" bones from the butcher, I didn't want to waste them. This bone broth recipe is just about as easy as it gets, and it's the perfect way to use up bones from a leftover roast chicken, beef or pork bones.

INGREDIENTS

2-3 pounds beef, chicken, or pork bones bones
½ onion, chopped
3-4 stalks celery, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
a few sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (or 1-2 teaspoons of dried)
1 tsp sea salt
10 cups water
½ tsp whole peppercorns
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS

For beef and pork bones: arrange the bones on a rimmed cookie sheet and roast at 350 for 30 minutes before adding to the pressure cooker.

For chicken, no need to roast the bones.

Place bones in the pressure cooker and top with salt, onion, celery, carrots, herbs, pepper and vinegar. You can also add any additional veggie scraps, garlic or mushrooms.
Add water until the bones and veggies are completely covered, making sure that you don't fill more than 2/3 capacity. Lock the lid in place and set the valve to the "sealing" position.
Using the Manual setting, select "high pressure" and set the timer to 120 minutes.
After two hours, allow the Instant Pot to depressurize slowly via natural release.
Place a strainer over a large bowl to strain. Sometimes, if some chunks make it through the strainer, I will strain a second time by lining the strainer with cheesecloth to catch any bits, providing a more "clear" broth. Then pour the broth into mason jars and store in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it (just leave at least 1.5 inches at the top of the jar to allow for expansion.)