April 2, 2025 // Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent // Optional Memorial Saint Francis of Paola, Hermit

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15

Reflect on the Word // 

*trigger warning of pregnancy loss*

We hung up the phone and stared at each other in shock. I started to cry and my husband tried to comfort me, though he, too, was filled with worry. Earlier that day our hearts overflowed with joy at the sight of our first baby at a six-week ultrasound. Later my OB called after seeing the results to inform us that our baby’s heart rate was quite low. We would need to have a repeat ultrasound in a week’s time to see whether our baby would survive. 

The week that followed was one of the longest I can remember. I spent the majority of it on my knees. I researched prayers and wrote a litany of all the best Saints to intercede for us from Heaven. I begged the Lord to protect, to nourish, to—please, God, please—save our baby. I have never prayed so hard in all my life. 

A week later we received the devastating news that our baby was no longer living inside my womb. 

“The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me” (Isaiah 49:14).

In today’s First Reading the prophet Isaiah proclaims the Lord’s faithfulness in keeping, leading and guiding His people. The Lord makes a way where there isn’t one and comforts and shows mercy. Sometimes, our lived experience does not feel like it lines up with these promises. Sometimes, we feel like Zion: forsaken and forgotten. 

Yet “in a time of favor” (Isaiah 49:8) the Lord always comes through for us. It may not look how we want or be on our desired timeline, yet we must believe the Lord when He says: “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15).

As we continue our Lenten journey, we have the opportunity to grow in the hope this Scripture passage brings. We can return His tender love by placing our trust in Him once again, regardless of our feelings or circumstances. He is with you, sister. You are His beloved daughter, and you are always on His Heart. 

Relate to the Lord // Declare this truth inspired by Scripture today: God has not forgotten me (see Isaiah 49:15).