Easter of Hope is a Lenten reflection and video series by Array of Hope. Daily reading and a Lenten reflection including tips on how to live out the hope of Christ's resurrection.Sundays you will receive a short inspirational video from one of our Array of Hope Presenters.  
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28  March

Saturday of the Fourth Week in Lent
Jeremiah 11:18-20

I knew their plot because the LORD informed me;
at that time you, O LORD, showed me their doings.
Yet I, like a trusting lamb led to slaughter,
had not realized that they were hatching plots against me:
"Let us destroy the tree in its vigor;
let us cut him off from the land of the living,
so that his name will be spoken no more."
But, you, O LORD of hosts, O just Judge,
searcher of mind and heart,
Let me witness the vengeance you take on them,
for to you I have entrusted my cause!
Reflection...In today’s First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah is voicing his grievances to the Lord because his life has been threatened by those who oppose his prophecies. Even though his life is on the line, he continues to trust in Our Heavenly Father. This passage also foreshadows Christ’s passion. He, too, will be the “trusting lamb [that is] led to the slaughter.” However, unlike Jeremiah, Jesus does not want vengeance against those who are plotting to kill him. Instead, He wants to save them.

Are you a prophet for Christ? This passage reminds us of the difficulty of living your faith boldly. You will face various trials and tribulations for being a Faithful Catholic. However, it is comforting to know that God is always with us. He will give us the strength and encouragement to accomplish any task He has given us. God has created each one of us for a specific purpose, so let us do our best to fulfill our unique role in His divine plan.

Today’s Tip: Step outside of your comfort zone and be more open with your Catholic Faith. Be bold and share your faith with your family and friends. Be a listening ear to someone who is struggling in their faith journey. Take your entire family to a parish event. Invite a friend who has left the Catholic Church to a Sunday Mass. You never know what seeds you are planting when you involve others in your Catholic faith!
27  March

Friday of the Fourth Week in Lent
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

“If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be verified. But there is another who testifies on my behalf, 
and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true.  You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.
I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp,
and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light. But I have testimony greater than John’s.

The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,  these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf.  But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form,  and you do not have his word remaining in you,  because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. 
You search the scriptures,  because you think you have eternal life through them;  even they testify on my behalf. 
But you do not want to come to me to have life.

“I do not accept human praise; moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you.  I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another  and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?  Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father:  the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. 

For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me,  because he wrote about me.  But if you do not believe his writings,  how will you believe my words?”
Reflection....In today’s Gospel,  we see Jesus attend the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast commemorated both the end of the autumn harvest and God's provision for Israel during its time in the wilderness after liberation from slavery in Egypt. John the Evangelist makes clear that it is in Jesus, who is from the Father, that we find the greatest example of God providing for His people. Jesus is the Light that overcomes the darkness. He is the Rock from which will flow the Living Water of the Holy Spirit. He is the True Bread that came down from Heaven. And when His hour comes, by His passion, cross, and resurrection, we will be set free from slavery to sin and death, and experience the definitive Exodus! 

What is your response to Jesus? The religious leaders rejected Jesus because he was a challenge to their authority. The inhabitants of Jerusalem rejected Jesus for intellectual reasons and then lashed out at Him when He got too "personal." The brothers of Jesus did not believe (see John 7:5), for they wanted Him to prove Himself. Do I insist on maintaining authority over my life? Do I seek reasons to avoid giving myself to Christ? Do I reject Him when His words shine a light on my sin and hypocrisy? Do I refuse to believe until He has adequately proved Himself? Or will I accept Him as my Savior and Lord, as Christ and Son of God, as the True Light that enlightens all men and the Living Water that will quench our insatiable thirst, and entrust my life to Him?

Today’s Tip: Make an Act of Faith, Hope, and Love today by reciting these traditional prayers:. As you do so, throw your cares upon God, whether mental, physical, and spiritual, and trust in Him to provide what you need, because He cares
​for you (1 Peter 5:7).
26  March

Thursday  of the Fourth Week in Lent
John 5:31-37

“If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony cannot be verified.
But there is another who testifies on my behalf, 
and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true. 
You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.
I do not accept testimony from a human being, 
but I say this so that you may be saved.
He was a burning and shining lamp,
and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.
But I have testimony greater than John’s.
The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, 
these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.
​Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. 
But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 
and you do not have his word remaining in you, 
because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. 
You search the scriptures, 
because you think you have eternal life through them; 
even they testify on my behalf. But you do not want to come to me to have life.
“I do not accept human praise;
moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you.
 I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me; 
yet if another comes in his own name, you will accept him.
How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another 
and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God? 
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father: 
the one who will accuse you is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. 
For if you had believed Moses, you would have believed me, 
because he wrote about me. 
But if you do not believe his writings, 
how will you believe my words?”
Reflection.... In Today’s Gospel, Jesus is confident in His mission. He know He comes from the Father, “I came in the name of my Father, but you do not accept me.” Jesus explains repeatedly that He is the one whom the prophets wrote about, the one for whom John the Baptist was preparing the way. All of scriptures readings have prepared the Israelites for this moment, but in their pride, many of the Jewish leaders refuse to accept it. 

Do you accept Christ for who He is? It is one thing to say that Jesus Christ is Lord of our life but it is another thing to live like it. If we truly believe the words that Christ spoke during His time on earth and especially the words He speaks in the Gospel reading today then it would change every aspect of our lives: How we treat ourselves and others, how we speak, how we perceive the Christian life, and more. When we allow this truth to pierce our hearts, we will come to understand fully the perfect act of love and sacrifice Christ made on the Cross. It is in His obedience to the Will of the Father that we are given the guide to true happiness - in following the perfect Will of the One who created us. 

Today’s Tip: Spend 15 minutes praying Lectio Divina with this Gospel passage. Ask Jesus to reveal you Himself to you and give Him permission to be Lord of your life.
25 March

Wednesday  of the Fourth Week in Lent
The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Luke 1:26-28

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end."

​But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God."

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.
Reflection....In Today’s Gospel we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation. Although this Gospel is commonly shared during the Advent Season, it is important to meditate on it during the Lenten season. The Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her she would have a Son. This young, humble teenage girl was asked to carry the Savior of the world. She didn’t know exactly what would happen, but she knew it would be difficult and require a sacrifice of her. Despite this, she trusted in God’s plan with joy. She deeply desired to serve God when she said,“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Her Yes gave us the Savior.

Are you willing to say yes to God’s plan for you? So often we worry about our daily struggles and become anxious not knowing what the future will bring. We agonize over the little things and begin doubting ourselves. We get frustrated when things don’t go our way and ask, “Why, God?” We are called to trust in Our Lord despite the uncertainties in life. We may not know what lies ahead of us, but God knows! In fact, He has a beautiful plan for each one of us. It may be different than what you thought you had planned for yourself, it may be difficult and demand great sacrifices of you, but God knows you better than anyone. Like Mary, we need to trust that God knows what is best for us, no matter how difficult it may seem. 

Today’s Tip: Say a decade of the Rosary, pray to have the courage to say a greater Yes to God and His plans for you. If something happens in your life today that inconveniences or upsets you, let it go and give it to God. Understand that all things happen for a reason and work together for the good. As Mary did, may we continue to trust in God and His perfect plan for our lives. ​
24 March

Tuesday  of the Fourth Week in Lent
John 5:1-16

There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate
a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes.
In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled.
One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years.
When Jesus saw him lying there
and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him,
"Do you want to be well?"
The sick man answered him,
"Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool
when the water is stirred up;
while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me."
Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."
Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked.

Now that day was a sabbath.
So the Jews said to the man who was cured,
"It is the sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to carry your mat." 
He answered them, "The man who made me well told me,
'Take up your mat and walk.'"
They asked him,
"Who is the man who told you, 'Take it up and walk'?"
The man who was healed did not know who it was,
for Jesus had slipped away, since there was a crowd there.
After this Jesus found him in the temple area and said to him,
"Look, you are well; do not sin any more,
so that nothing worse may happen to you."
The man went and told the Jews
that Jesus was the one who had made him well.
Therefore, the Jews began to persecute Jesus
because he did this on a sabbath.
Reflection....In Today’s Gospel, Jesus heals a man who was ill for thirty-eight years. What a miracle! In this scene we can see how the healing waters of Bethesda foreshadow the healing powers found in the Sacraments. There is true grace and healing that comes from the Sacraments. May we use this time of Lent to receive them as often as we can so we may be strengthened in our own faith and healed from the wounds found within us. Just like those who sought physical healing in today’s reading, we too need healing, whether that be physical, spiritual or emotional. We must bring our wounds to the feet of Jesus so that we may be healed. 

Do you want to be well? When Jesus sees the man in the Temple, He reminds him that he must go forth and sin no more. When we experience the healing power of God’s mercy, we must also make a firm promise not to fall back into our old ways. We need to rely on the healing transformation that has taken place, which is the strength of Christ. Our hope is in Christ who has come to heal us of all that prevents us from accepting His love, and thus loving others. 

Today’s Tip: Ask God how He wants to heal you this Lent. It may be scary at first to bring up wounds in our lives but remember, God never brings something to the surface that He does not intend to heal.You are so precious to Him and He wants you to be made whole!
23 March

Monday  of the Fourth Week in Lent
John 4:43-54

At that time Jesus left Samaria for Galilee. For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his native place.
When he came into Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, since they had seen all he had done in Jerusalem at the feast;
for they themselves had gone to the feast. Then he returned to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine.

Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”

The royal official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.”
The man believed what Jesus said to him and left. While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live. He asked them when he began to recover. They told him, “The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon.” The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live,” and he and his whole household came to believe.
Now this was the second sign Jesus did when he came to Galilee from Judea.
Reflection.... In Today’s Gospel, a man from Capernuam went far out of his way to travel to Cana in pursuit of Jesus. He must have possessed such great faith in Jesus to have left his suffering son. If members of his household did not believe, would they have been upset to know that he left or just think he was foolish? Because of his courage and trust, he becomes a great example for us. He believed, he asked, and he received. The man was given no proof that his son had been healed, but he returned home believing everything Jesus told him. Only as he journeyed back, did he learn that his son was healed precisely at the hour Jesus said. Jesus could have chosen to heal the child at any time, but He chose a time that would lead to further conviction, not just for the man, but for his entire household. 

How often do we want God to wow us with what we want, but then want to be left alone from what He asks of us? Jesus is always giving us signs and working wonders, but we often do not acknowledge them, for we think they came from another source. When we do not receive what we expected, we claim that God does not care about us, or even exist. In our pride, we are often convinced that we know what is best and that God should act only as we see fit. However, God’s perfect timing sometimes means immediate results, and other times, it may take some time before His Power is manifested. If God has responded to our prayer, we should first ask Him what He desires to show us. It is only when we believe and allow the Lord to open our eyes, that we are able to see the miracles He is continuously working around us, in us, and through us. Seeing strengthens our belief but believing is what makes us see.  
​
Today’s Tip: Is there a situation that you have been praying about for a while and have not seen the answer to your prayer? Pray to God to ask how He is working in this situation and use the eyes of your heart to see where He is answering prayers in your life.

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