HOPE40 - Day 5 - Hope is Not Passive

4 days ago5 min read

Week 2 - HOPE IN TRIALS

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Jesus speaks of the final judgment, where He separates the sheep from the goats. The righteous are those who served Him by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned. They are surprised to hear that in doing these acts of love for others, they were actually serving Christ Himself.

Hope can be found in how you love and serve others, especially in times of trial. When life feels overwhelming, Jesus calls you to shift your focus from your struggles to acts of mercy for others. Even in your own suffering, you can be a light of hope to others, and in doing so, you encounter Christ.

Now, put yourself in the position of the one in need: receiving the food, the drink, the welcome smile, the clothing, or the visit from a friend when you are sick. Does it not fill your heart to be seen, heard and tended to? Even in the little things, you can make a huge impact. How can you bring hope and the light of Christ to someone today? Take your cue from this reading today and see how hope is not passive; it moves you to action, trusting that every small act of love has eternal significance.

Let Us Pray

Lord Jesus, You see my struggles and burdens, yet You call me to love even in the midst of them. When trials feel heavy, help me to find hope by turning my heart outward...to serve, to give, and to trust that You are present in every act of love. Strengthen my faith so that I may see You in those who suffer and respond with courage and compassion. May my hope rest not in my circumstances but in Your eternal love and mercy. Amen.

HOPE for your Health: Strengthening Discipline

This week, we are focusing on strengthening the virtue of discipline by extending our daily fast to 13 hours. My last bite of food last night was at 7:30PM, so I will not eat again until Monday morning after 8:30AM. I will have some water and a cup of coffee when I get up for the day, but no breakfast until later.

As we have talked about, fasting is not just about physical health; it is a spiritual practice that cultivates self-discipline, deepens your trust in God, and strengthens your ability to persevere in trials. By gradually increasing your fasting window this week, you train both body and soul to rely on Christ rather than immediate comfort.

Guidelines for Fasting, Movement & Feasting:

Fasting (Monday-Saturday): Gradual increase in fasting window; no sugar, starchy foods, or alcohol.
Fridays: lengthen your fast up to 24-hours - listen to your body
Sundays: Feast Day—no fasting restrictions; celebrate with gratitude.
Movement: Daily intentional movement is up to you to decide what to do. Don't be stagnant as movement helps your mind, body and soul as you implement intermittent fasting into you lifestyle.

Practical Fasting Reminders:

Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, or black coffee if needed.
Break your fast with single ingredient nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing protein, healthy fats, and whole foods.
Approach fasting prayerfully, offering moments of hunger as opportunities for growth.
Listen to your body—fasting should challenge, not harm. Adjust as needed and reach out to me if you have any questions.

This week, lean into the challenge with hope and discipline. Every small act of sacrifice strengthens not only your physical health but also your spiritual resilience. Trust that as you fast, God is at work in you...forming you, sustaining you, and drawing you closer to Him.

HOPE For Your Marriage:

Listening and Speaking with Love

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that when you care for others - feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, comforting the sick - you are serving Him. Have you ever looked at your marriage through the same lens? How often do you see Christ in your spouse, especially in the way you communicate?

Just as Christ calls you to serve with love, He also calls you to speak and listen with love. Your words have power to nourish and give life or tear down and wound. Your ability to truly listen can be an act of mercy. When you dismiss, criticize, or fail to be present in conversation, you forfeit an opportunity to love as Jesus does and as He asks. However, when you listen with patience and speak with kindness, you reflect His love and build a foundation of trust and hope in your marriage.

Challenge for the Day:

Be intentional in your communication today. Put your phones away and be present. When your spouse speaks, listen fully...without distractions or thinking of your response. When you speak, choose words that are encouraging and uplifting. Strive to have a meaningful conversation for at least 5 minutes. It is not a huge amount of time, but can be very impactful and healing. Seek to serve Christ in your spouse by speaking and listening with love.

Do you know that the lemon ranks among the most adaptable foods in nature? It possesses numerous properties such as healing, detoxification, hydration, gut support, blood glucose support, and aids in weight loss/management. Lemons also provide energy, vitamin C, and can soothe an anxious mind. We have been incorporating more fresh squeezed lemon juice into our diets lately and this recipe is inspired by one my daughter gave me. It has become my favorite, especially on some fresh arugula and spinach as a way to break a fast. It is also wonderful tossed with veggies before roasting (broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, etc.)

LEMON GARLIC SALAD DRESSING

INGREDIENTS

juice of 2 lemons
zest of 1 of the lemons you just juiced
3-4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
3 Tbsp Meyer Lemon Honey Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 tsp dijon mustard
2 tsp raw honey (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 to 3/4 cup good quality olive oil (use more as needed)

INSTRUCTIONS

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, zest, garlic, vinegar, mustard, salt, pepper, and honey (if using).
Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking and continue to whisk until the dressing is emulsified. Alternatively, combine everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to combine. Or, put everything except the olive oil in the blender and blend on medium until it is smooth. Then, turn the blender to low and slowly add the olive oil.
If your dressing is too tangy, add more olive oil, to taste.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. The olive oil will solidify a bit in the fridge. To soften, let the dressing sit at room temp for a few minutes and stir or shake before using.