HOPE40 - Day 16 - Hope is Never Lost

HOPE IN SURRENDER

Today's Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

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The parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most beautiful depictions of God’s mercy and the hope found in surrender. The younger son, after wasting his inheritance in reckless living, reaches a place of complete emptiness. It is only in his poverty and desperation that he realizes his need for the father he once rejected. In humility, he returns home, expecting only to be treated as a servant, but instead, he is welcomed with overwhelming love, embraced, and restored as a son.

So often, you hesitate to surrender because you fear rejection, punishment, or disappointment. You hold on to control, trying to manage your life on your own terms. True hope is found in surrendering to the Father’s love. No matter how far you have strayed, how much you have failed, or how broken you feel, God is always waiting to welcome you back...not as servants, but as beloved children.

Like the older son, you may also struggle with surrender in a different way: clinging to resentment, self-righteousness, or the belief that you must earn God’s love. But the Father calls both sons to enter into His joy. He longs to free you from the burdens you carry and invites you into His embrace.

Where in your life is God calling you to surrender? Is there a sin, a wound, or a fear that is keeping you from fully returning to Him? Hope is never lost when we choose to turn back to the Father. His mercy is always greater.

Let Us Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless mercy and love. Help me to surrender my fears, my failures, and my pride, trusting that You are always waiting to receive me with open arms. Give me the grace to return to You each day, to rest in Your love, and to extend that same mercy to others. Amen.

HOPE For Your Health: Trusting in God's Design

After the challenge of extending your fast yesterday, today we return to the rhythm of a 14-hour fast. If you pushed yourself to fast longer, you may have experienced moments of clarity, discipline, or even struggle. Fasting is not just about denying ourselves food; it’s about growing in trust—trusting that your body is designed to function well in a fasting state and, more importantly, trusting that God provides for all your needs.

Today, we ease back into our 14-hour fast, preparing hearts and bodies to take it up a notch to a 15-hour fast starting Monday. Each fast, no matter the length, is an opportunity to surrender control and realign yourself with God’s perfect design. Offer today’s fast with gratitude, knowing that even small acts of discipline can strengthen your faith and deepen your reliance on Him.

Sunday, as a feast day, is a time to rejoice in the Lord and take a break from Lenten sacrifices, reminding you that your fasting is always oriented toward the joy of the Resurrection.

HOPE For Your Marriage: Sacramental Graces

The parable of the Prodigal Son is a story of mercy, love, and the hope found in surrender. In marriage, you may find yourself in the position of either son at different times. Sometimes, like the younger son, you make mistakes, act selfishly, or distance yourself emotionally, only to realize your deep need for reconciliation. Other times, like the older son, you hold on to resentment, keeping score rather than freely loving and forgiving. In both cases, the Father calls you to surrender—to let go of your pride, your fears, and your expectations, and instead embrace love and mercy.

A strong marriage is not about perfection, but about returning to one another with humility and trust. Just as the father in the parable runs to embrace his son, you are called to seek reconciliation in your marriage with an open heart. Love grows when you surrender your desire to be right and instead choose to love as Christ loves you. The sacrament of marriage gives you the grace to do this—to love even when it’s hard, to forgive even when it’s undeserved, and to hope even when things feel broken.

Marriage Examen Question #4

How have I shown love to my spouse, and how have I received love from my spouse? Love is expressed in many ways, often through the different love languages. Do you know your "love language"? Your spouse's love language? Consider taking the quick assessment here:

Love Language Assessment

The 5 Love Languages: Which one (or two) is yours? Which one (or two) is your spouse's?

Words of Affirmation – Encouraging your spouse with kind, affirming words, a heartfelt note, or a simple “I appreciate you.”
Acts of Service – Doing a household task without being asked, preparing a meal, or taking something off your spouse’s plate.
Quality Time – Giving your full attention during a conversation, planning a date night, or going on a walk together.
Physical Touch – Offering a hug, holding hands, or simply sitting close during a quiet moment together.
Gifts – Surprising your spouse with something meaningful, even something as simple as their favorite snack or a flower from the yard.

Reflect on how you can love your spouse better by using their love language. This weekend, choose one (or more) concrete ways to show your spouse some love through their love language.

PALEO BLUEBERRY SCONES

A Sunday Treat

Back in my strict paleo diet days, which were over 10 years ago now, I came across this delicious scone recipe that actually tasted good and satisfied my sweet tooth without compromising my dietary principles. At that time, I was on a journey to heal my gut and explore healthier eating habits. That journey continues...

Living in the state of Montana, I always substitute the blueberries called for in the recipe with huckleberries, which are a local treasure. Click on the picture to go to the recipe from fedandfit.com

I listened to "Week 1" of this Lenten Retreat earlier this week and really enjoyed it. If you are looking for some inspiration in the area of deepening your prayer life and growing in your relationship with God, check this out:

Lenten Retreat with Fr. Boniface Hicks

Pray with great confidence, with confidence based on the goodness and infinite generosity of God and upon the promises of Jesus Christ.

God is a spring of living water which flows unceasingly

into the hearts of those who pray.

~St. Louis de Montfort