HOPE40 - Day 17 - Time to Take Action

Week 4: HOPE IN ACTION

Hope is a virtue that moves you to act. True Christian hope is not passive; it compels you to live in a way that reflects your trust in God’s promises. This week, we shift our focus from interior renewal to outward expression, allowing hope to take root in your daily life, your relationships, and your communities. Your hope in Christ gives you the courage to step forward, even when you cannot see the full path ahead.

Today's Scripture: Luke 4:24-30

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Jesus speaks in His hometown of Nazareth, but instead of being welcomed, He is met with rejection. He reminds the people that no prophet is accepted in his native place, pointing to examples from the Old Testament where God worked miracles for outsiders rather than the chosen people of Israel. His words stir up anger, and the crowd, unwilling to hear the truth, drives Him out, even attempting to kill Him. Yet, in a powerful moment, Jesus walks away, untouched. His mission was not to be thwarted by human rejection.

Hope in Christ does not always lead to easy acceptance. Sometimes, speaking truth or living faithfully will invite misunderstanding, resistance, or even rejection. But just as Jesus remained steadfast, so too are you called to persevere in hope, knowing that God’s plan is greater than any opposition you face. Hope is not dependent on circumstances or approval from others; it is rooted in trust that God’s will is unfolding, even when you cannot see it clearly.

Where in your life do you struggle with rejection or discouragement? How does this passage challenge you to hold onto hope even when facing opposition?

Let Us Pray:

Heavenly Father,You sent Your Son to bring hope to the world, yet He was rejected by His own. In moments when I feel discouraged, unrecognized, or misunderstood, remind me that my worth is in You alone. Strengthen my heart to trust in Your plan, even when I do not see the full picture. Give me the courage to persevere in faith, to love even when it is difficult, and to bear witness to hope in my daily life. May my actions reflect the confidence that You are always at work, bringing good from every trial. Jesus, I place my hope in You. Amen

HOPE For Your Health: Full Commitment

This week, we take action by increasing our fasting window to 15 hours, deepening your commitment to both spiritual and physical renewal. However, true commitment requires embracing discomfort and just going for it. Growth is rarely found in comfort zones; rather, it is forged in perseverance, discipline, and trust in God’s provision.

Jesus tells us, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Fasting is a tangible way to practice self-denial, not as a punishment, but as an act of hope, love and trust, offering your sacrifices in union with Christ. When you feel hunger, impatience, or discomfort, you can transform these moments into opportunities to lean on God, to pray, and to strengthen your will.

On Tuesday March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, we have another holy pause from our extended fast in joyful celebration of Mary’s fiat—the moment she fully embraced God’s will. Again, you are free from your Lenten commitments, so take advantage of the day to truly celebrate the Incarnation of Our Savior.

This week, try to incorporate fennel to support digestion and overall well-being during fasting by using fennel tea, an herb highly praised by St. Hildegard of Bingen for its healing properties. She stated, “Fennel makes us happy, brings a gentle warmth, and purifies the body.” Fennel aids digestion, soothes the stomach, and reduces bloating, making it an excellent companion for fasting. Additionally, its ability to bring “joy and clarity” reflects the deeper purpose of fasting...not just physical benefits, but renewal of mind and spirit as well.

HOPE For Your Marriage: Prioritization

Rejection is one of the deepest wounds we can experience, especially within the intimacy of marriage. In Luke 4:24-30, Jesus experiences rejection from the very people who should have known and loved Him best, His own neighbors and townspeople. Their refusal to accept Him not only wounds, but it also reveals a hard truth: sometimes, familiarity can breed resistance rather than openness.

In marriage, you can fall into this same pattern. Over time, you may take each other for granted, resist growth, or even reject the very person God has given you to love. You can be quick to see flaws, slow to appreciate blessings, and unwilling to accept the ways God is working in and through your spouse. Sometimes, the hardest place to call forth truth, goodness, and beauty is in your own home.

Yet, Jesus demonstrates another way. Even in the face of rejection, He does not lash out or force His message. Instead, He remains rooted in His mission and moves forward, trusting in the Father’s plan. In marriage, you are called to do the same, to remain faithful even when you feel unseen, to love even when love is difficult, and to keep moving forward in hope, knowing that God is always at work.

Reflection Questions:

Are there ways I have rejected or resisted my spouse’s needs, dreams, or growth?
Have I allowed familiarity to dull my appreciation for my spouse?
How can I prioritize my marriage this week?

CHICKEN ASPARAGUS SKILLET

A quick and easy recipe for this Monday in the first full week of spring. I just got some fresh asparagus, so this is a good way to get it on the table. I have adapted this from All Recipes and like to serve it over fresh spinach. Click on the picture to go to the original recipe.

INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp olive oil
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp lemon juice (more if desired)
1 Tbsp white cooking wine
1 tsp fresh parsley
1 tsp fresh basil
1 tsp salt
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
4-5 chicken thighs, boneless skinless (or 2 chicken breasts)
1/2 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
1 1/2 cup sliced fresh baby bella mushrooms

INSTRUCTIONS

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat, then add olive oil. Add garlic, lemon juice, wine, parsley, basil, salt, pepper and oregano and stir to combine, making sure the garlic does not burn.
Add chicken; cook and stir until chicken is browned, about 3-5 minutes. Flip, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink inside, about 10 more minutes.
Add asparagus; cook and stir until asparagus is bright green and starting to become tender, about 3 minutes.
Stir in mushrooms and cook until they release their juices, about 3 more minutes.
Serve hot over fresh spinach (or rice or pasta).