HOPE IN TRIALS
Today's Scripture: Matthew 5:20-26
click above to read
Jesus calls us to a higher standard of righteousness, one that goes beyond external obedience to the law and reaches into the depths of our hearts. He challenges us to reconcile, to let go of anger, and to seek peace...not just for the sake of avoiding conflict, but to reflect the love and mercy of God in all we do.
When you face trials, it can be easy to let frustration or resentment take root in your heart. But Jesus is very firm in His teaching that true righteousness is not just about avoiding sin but about being transformed from within. This transformation is truly a work of healing the heart and happens when you are anchored to Christ, allowing Him to shape your thoughts, words, and actions, even in the face of pain and difficulty.
Finding hope in your trials comes from knowing that you are not alone. Christ is with you, guiding you, strengthening you, and calling you to love as He loves. When you choose to surrender your anger, forgive others, and seek reconciliation, you become a witness of hope. Your actions, however small, have the power to reflect Christ’s mercy and bring healing to broken relationships.
We all have places in our hearts that need healing and reconciliation. Lent is the perfect time to choose to surrender your anger, forgive yourself and others, and seek reconciliation. Just yesterday, I came across this beautiful litany composed and prayed by Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB, at the Eucharistic Congress last summer in Indianapolis. This was just the salve my heart needed to remedy some recent wayward thoughts and lay my woundedness at the foot of the cross (again)! Click the link below to watch, listen and pray...or just listen and pray.
Let Us Pray:
Lord Jesus, in the midst of trials, anchor my heart to You. When I am tempted to hold onto anger or frustration, help me to surrender it to Your grace. Fill me with the hope that comes from trusting in Your love and guidance. May my thoughts, words, and actions always reflect Your mercy, leading me closer to You and bringing peace to those around me. Amen.
HOPE For Your Health: Strengthening Discipline
Today's fast: At least 13 hours! If you are able, take the Friday Challenge and extend your fast for up to 24 hours. I would love to challenge my fasting today, but due to medication and supplements, I will be aiming for breaking my fast around 3PM, after we pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Remember to listen to your body as you fast and stay hydrated.
As you just read above, Jesus calls you to seek true righteousness by transforming your heart. Fasting calls you to discipline not just your body but your mind and spirit as well. Through intermittent fasting you have strengthened your ability to surrender cravings, practice self-control, and grow in discipline both physically and spiritually. In the trials of hunger or habit, rely on Christ, anchoring your thoughts and actions in Him tying your sacrifices to an intention. This practice builds confidence and resilience, reminding you that strength comes not from comfort but from perseverance in faith and discipline.
More Science for you Today: How Intermittent Fasting Increases Insulin Sensitivity
Fasting does not just strengthen discipline, it also enhances how your body processes and uses energy. Insulin is the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar, and when you fast, your insulin levels drop, making your cells more responsive to it. This increased insulin sensitivity helps in several ways:
Reduce the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes – Lower insulin resistance means better blood sugar control, reducing the risk of metabolic diseases.
Support Fat Loss – When insulin is low, the body is better able to access stored fat for energy.
Improve Energy Levels & Mental Clarity – Balanced blood sugar levels prevent energy crashes and support focus and cognitive function.
How to Maximize This Benefit
Stick to a Consistent Fasting Window – Aim for at least 13 hours to allow insulin levels to lower. (You are doing this right now!!)
Break Your Fast with Protein & Healthy Fats – Avoid sugar or refined carbs to maintain insulin sensitivity.
Incorporate Movement – Walking or light exercise while fasting enhances the effects on insulin regulation.
As you embrace fasting with intention, see it not as deprivation, but as a path to greater strength—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
HOPE For Your Marriage:
Listening and Speaking with Love
Marriage is a journey of love, sacrifice, and growth, and today’s Gospel calls to mind the importance of reconciliation and healing in your relationships. Jesus calls you not just to follow the law but to go deeper...to seek true righteousness by addressing the hurts and divisions in your heart. In marriage, this means learning to communicate with love, listen with openness, and seek healing when conflicts and trials arise; because they will happen!
But hope in marriage is found in your willingness to turn toward each other rather than away. When you choose to listen before reacting, speak with love rather than anger, and seek understanding instead of defensiveness, you invite Christ into your communication. True repentance and forgiveness allow you to move forward, not carrying the burdens of resentment but growing stronger in unity.
Let today’s Gospel be an encouragement to approach your spouse with a heart anchored in Christ. If there is tension or unresolved hurt, take a step toward healing. Speak with gentleness, listen with patience, and trust that love, rooted in hope, has the power to restore.
Challenge:
Sit next to eachother, shoulder to shoulder, hold hands and pray the Litany of Healing and Repentance together. This is the same prayer linked above. Watch it together or click the link below to read it together.
SWEET POTATO CHICKPEA CURRY
This is another Lenten favorite that comes together quick and easy. ENJOY!
Ingredients:
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 Tbsp curry powder
Salt to taste
1 tsp fresh grated ginger, (1/2 tsp ground ginger if fresh is not an option)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1" cubes
1 can (15 oz) coconut milk
1/2 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
pumpkin seeds for garnish
Your choice of fresh spinach, quinoa, brown rice and/or Jasmine rice for serving
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the oil and the onion. Allow this to soften for 3-4 minutes then add the garlic, curry powder, ginger, salt and red pepper flakes. Saute on medium/low heat for 4-5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, chickpeas and coconut milk, stirring a few minutes to bring it all together.
Add the sweet potato chunks and turn the heat down to low and let simmer (covered or not) for at least 30 minutes (up to 50 min). Stir occasionally and taste after 20 minutes or so. I often add extra curry, salt and even a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
Check the sweet potatoes for doneness after about 30 minutes. If they are cooked through, dinner is almost ready! Give them a little more time to fully cook if needed.
Serve over a bed of fresh spinach or your choice of starch. Try to avoid white rice during this time of Lent! Garnish with the cilantro and pumpkin seeds if you like.
Lenten practices of giving up pleasures are a good reminder that the purpose of life is not pleasure.
~Venerable Fulton Sheen
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