In today’s "A Word of Hope" for Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026, Father Charlie Bouchard explores a humorous yet profound detail from the Book of Jonah. When the King of Nineveh orders a fast, he demands that not only the people but even the beasts and animals wear sackcloth and ashes and abstain from food. Why would animals, who cannot sin, need to fast?
Father Charlie uses this scripture to open up a wider conversation about the nature of repentance and salvation. He challenges us to move beyond a purely individualistic view and recognize that salvation is communal. Drawing on the words of St. Paul, he explains why "all creation groans for redemption" and how our Lenten journey is deeply connected to the environment and the world around us.
**🌿 Key Takeaways in this Video:**
* The significance of the "Great Fast" in Nineveh.
* Why repentance must be more than just a personal checklist.
* The biblical basis for environmental stewardship.
* How to pray for the salvation of the whole world, not just yourself.
**👇 Timestamps:**
0:00 - Introduction: The Book of Jonah
0:25 - The humor of animals fasting in sackcloth
0:50 - Moving beyond individual repentance
1:50 - The environmental aspect of salvation
2:15 - St. Paul: "All creation groans for redemption"
3:00 - Why "tree huggers" have a biblical point
3:35 - A prayer for a broader vision this Lent
**#Hashtags:**
#Lent #BookOfJonah #CreationCare #CatholicFaith #Environmentalism #Salvation #FatherCharlieBouchard #StPaul #BiblicalTeaching #WordOfHope #fasting #repentance