Farmer of Hearts - How Not to Miss God’s Voice

Over the past few days of our retreat, we have explored that when we view our earthly life from the perspective of an “earthly pilgrimage,” that is, when we view our earthly life as “pilgrims,” we can more easily face the various encounters and challenges in life from God’s perspective.

Before we continue on our journey, let us take this opportunity to pause and examine the path ahead of us, so that we may develop the right mindset to face the difficulties of life.

For this reason, over the past few days, we have reflected from different perspectives on the deeper meaning behind the challenges in our lives. These challenges are like examinations in our life journey, basic daily training for a "spiritual athlete," encounters with Jesus, especially moments when we experience His loving hand lifting us up, intimate opportunities to deepen our relationship as children of the Father, the opportunity to witness the mighty power of God's work in us, and the opportunity for Him to build our confidence. Most importantly, these challenges allow us to personally experience how our Heavenly Father loves us to the end!

Our Heavenly Father continuously helps us grow and improve ourselves, narrowing the gap between us and Him, until we can finally be in perfect communion with the Holy Trinity. God's desire for a relationship with us is like a transcendent marriage, once united, it can never be separated! This is the greatest and most perfect gift God has given to human beings, His creation. The temporary sufferings we endure in this life are nothing compared to the infinite and perfect joy of eternal life we will experience!

In short, God's ultimate desire is to be with us forever, even if it means giving up everything He has.

On the other hand, the devil watches us closely, because its only goal is to separate us from our Heavenly Father forever. Therefore, it uses cunning deception and temptation to lead us into sin, causing us to doubt our worth, feel discouraged, and lose hope. It wants us to give up trying and to avoid challenges altogether. To completely defeat us, the devil uses every trick to make us feel helpless, hopeless, lonely, abandoned, and finally fall into despair. The moment we surrender and give up, Satan can claim victory before God!

There are only two directions in our earthly journey: one leads toward God, the other toward the world. Since the devil is not on God's side, it can only lurk in this world, waiting for opportunities to ambush us. Therefore, we only have one choice in life: to walk with God and constantly strive toward heaven. Otherwise, we  drift along with worldly values and may eventually succumb to them, unknowingly fall into the devil’s trap.

Our time on earth is short, and its length is beyond our control. Therefore, we must make a wise choice as soon as possible, to stand with God and remain steadfast, without wavering, so that the enemy has no chance to attack us!

Reflection

Do you realize that the choices we make in this life have a crucial impact on whether we can reach the final destination of our earthly pilgrimage? Through today’s reflection, will you be more careful and deliberate in making life choices?

Have you spent a great deal of time planning for your earthly life while neglecting to prepare for eternal life with the same effort and dedication?

Have you truly made a firm decision to choose God over worldly things? Or do you find yourself wavering, constantly changing your mind?

Today's Prayer

My dear Heavenly Father, I realize that I have not thought deeply about life or understood its real value. Because of this, I have not recognized my precious worth in Your eyes. I have been easily influenced by worldly thoughts and swayed by others, causing me to fail in choosing You wholeheartedly.

I now see that I have been blinded by the enemy, thinking that I was already doing well, content with fulfilling the most basic responsibilities, feeling self-satisfied, and believing that I was better than others. But in reality, I have treated this precious life You have given me with superficiality, missing many opportunities to learn and encounter You.

Heavenly Father, thank You for awakening me again, allowing me to better understand Your will and to see my life and myself from Your perspective. Please do not let me remain indifferent to Your love or continue delaying my decision to choose You. From today onward, I want to belong entirely to You, forever and always!

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

Every parent hopes for their children’s success. You can imagine that God looks upon us children in the same way, only to an even greater extent. God desires us to be ‘holy’ because that is the best for us; it is our original state, as we were created in the image of the Father and are meant to resemble Him in every way. However, due to our sinful nature, we have strayed from the right path and distanced ourselves from the Father’s heart. Our Heavenly Father cannot bear to see us go astray and lose the grace that was meant to be ours. Therefore, God spared no effort, even sacrificing His own life as the price for our redemption, to save us from eternal punishment and restore our freedom.

However, because God has given humans the freedom of choice, we can accept or reject His salvation. On the journey from being "saved" to becoming "holy," we can choose to accept or refuse each invitation. Poor God! Because of His boundless love for us, He continuously endures immense suffering. The more He desires good for us, the more He longs for our holiness, the deeper His pain becomes.

You might wonder: Couldn't God avoid such suffering by simply giving up on perfecting us, or even abandoning us entirely and letting us perish on our own? He would be free from all troubles! That is true! However, our Heavenly Father never had the slightest thought of giving up on us. Instead, He chose to love us to the very end!

Imagine if a master loved his dog so much that he was even willing to become a dog himself, just to love and care for it more completely, how incredible would it be?

Yet, God's love for us goes even deeper. Not only did He take on human form as the Son, forever uniting Himself with humanity, but He also strives to elevate our worthiness infinitely until we become one with Him. This raises a profound question: What is it about humanity that so captivates the Almighty Creator, that He would sacrifice Himself so completely for us?

This Creator wants us to learn through life's ups and downs, yet He never lets us be tested beyond our strength. Thus His gaze never leaves us, not even for a moment. His deepest desire is to help us restore the image of Himself in which we were created. And despite this immense love and wishes, He made an astonishing decision, to give us complete freedom to choose whether to stay with Him or leave Him! Apart from "crazy", what other word can better describe God's love for us?

In His relationship with humanity, the Father has chosen to stay. What about you? Have you made your decision?

Reflection

Have you ever thought deeply about the depth of God's love for you? Take a moment to reflect on it seriously.

Have you ever thought of God as distant and indifferent, allowing us to fend for ourselves? After today’s reflection, do you have a deeper understanding of how much God loves you?

If you were God, would you love your creation in the same way? Would you allow them to make their own decisions, even if it meant rejecting your love?

Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father, how deep is Your love for me? How much else do I not understand? Please reveal it all to me! I don’t want to keep guessing, and I certainly don’t want to hurt You anymore.

Honestly, I don’t know if I am ready to receive Your endless love, but I don’t want my ignorance to continue to pierce Your heart!

Seeing how blindly You love me, sometimes I wish You would love me a little less, so I wouldn’t feel so guilty about my sins. But I know this is my selfish thinking! Please transform me, teach me to better appreciate and love You, and more importantly, to accept Your love for me...

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

During the past two or three days of this retreat, we emphasized that life on earth is akin to a pilgrimage in this world. Every journey should bring us rich experiences that we can enjoy. However, life in this world is full of challenges. How do we resolve the contradictions within? The key lies in whether we perceive the hardships of this world as "calamities" given by God or as opportunities granted by Him for our "self-improvement."

A mature and successful Olympic athlete does not view daily training as unbearable torture, but is grateful for the opportunity to receive training and improve his skills and standards to achieve greater excellence and perfection. Without this mindset, the athlete would not be able to surpass himself, let alone compete with others.

As pilgrims in this world and followers of Christ, we must adopt this same mindset, or more precisely, see things with the eyes of faith, that allows us to face life's challenges fearlessly, thereby reaching the "perfect" state that God has set for us and ultimately receiving the crown of life, which is eternal life. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount: "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)

It is impossible! How can we, as humans, be expected to be as perfect as our Heavenly Father? Indeed, for humans, it is impossible, but for God, all things are possible! This is also the will of the Father! Jesus became man, uniting His flawless divinity with sinful humanity, thus elevating humanity to divinity. This demonstrates the depth of God's love for us, which surpasses all imagination! Therefore, the primary purpose of life on earth is a journey toward "perfection" in God. All the trials and tribulations we encounter along the way serve as stepping stones on our path to holiness.

However, when Jesus gradually raised the expectations for His disciples, some chose to give up, feeling that His demands were unreasonable, absurd, too difficult, or too harsh. In fact, on one occasion, when Jesus was teaching about eating His body and drinking His blood, which once again raised the bar, many of His disciples said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" (John 6:60). From that time on, many of His disciples turned back and no longer went about with Him (John 6:66). Then Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" (John 6:67).

Indeed, choosing to persevere is not easy. It requires strong faith and hope, as well as the determination to endure challenges and difficulties. Only then can we reach our destination on this earthly pilgrimage and receive the crown of eternal life.

We must recognize that while the cost of perseverance is high, the cost of giving up is even higher! It is not up to us to set the threshold, unless we choose not to be Christians at all, but whether we accept God's invitation and His assistance on this journey is entirely our choice.

Reflection

Do you also feel that the teachings and demands of Jesus are too difficult to accept? Have you ever considered giving up or even leaving Jesus?

If you accept Jesus’ teachings, have you actually put them into practice? What obstacles are preventing you from doing so?

Did your heart ache when you heard Jesus ask His beloved twelve disciples, "Do you also wish to go away?" Do you feel the pain God felt when He saw so many of His children leave Him?

Today's Prayer

Lord, God, thank You for allowing me to understand Your expectations for me more deeply today, as well as the meaning and struggles behind them. Even more so, thank You for letting me feel Your profound love for me.

Please tell me, how many times have I broken Your heart and turned away from You. I cannot imagine the pain You endure every time I choose to leave You and make decisions that wound Your heart.

Abba Father! I don’t want this to happen again! Please help me humbly accept the purpose of my life that You have lovingly planned for me and the trials You allow me to face. Please do not let me be self-centred anymore, and let You witness my departure once again and suffer from the pain I inflict upon You!

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

Building on our reflections from yesterday, a pilgrim seeking personal and spiritual growth should not primarily rely on acquiring knowledge through taking courses. Instead, the most effective and direct way is to humbly accept the various trials and tribulations that God allows in our lives and seize opportunities to learn from them. In particular, we should learn from the words and deeds of Jesus, His role model, and His relationship with the Father, learning to let go of ourselves and place greater trust in God. This is the shortcut to virtues and holiness. It is far more effective than any self-improvement program offered in the secular world.

Our Heavenly Father wants us to face life’s challenges with courage. When we stumble and fall on our journey, His gaze never leaves us; rather, He helps us silently along the way. It is much like how parents do not interfere with their children’s struggles in life but instead give them space to overcome difficulties, allowing them to take pride in the achievements they have worked hard to attain.

If you are a parent, you may more easily understand and empathize with the anguish of seeing your child go through hardship or suffering. Parents know that such experiences are necessary for their children’s growth, and for their long-term benefit, they must not take away these valuable learning opportunities. If earthly parents feel such deep pain when their children suffer, imagine the piercing sorrow that our Heavenly Father must endure!

Yet, the Father willingly bears this pain because His love for us is unconditional. At the same time, He will never allow anything beyond our ability to bear to happen to us.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 10, verse 13, St. Paul says, “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

You may wonder: God is almighty and above all things. How could He possibly understand human weakness and needs?

If Jesus Christ had not become man, this argument might hold. However, Christ, in His humanity, experienced the most difficult trials and sufferings. Therefore, more than anyone else, He understands our struggles, feelings, limitations, and needs. We can be assured that when we, like St. Peter, begin to sink into the water (cf. Matthew 14:30), Jesus will not hesitate to reach out and pull us up. If He was willing to die on the cross to redeem us and bear our sins, would He not be even more willing to carry our burdens?

If there is one “attraction” that is a must-see on our earthly pilgrimage, it must be the scene of being pulled out of the water by the Lord during the thrilling adventure of “walking on water”!

Reflection

Can you, through observing the relationship between earthly parents and children, come to understand the agony that the Heavenly Father endures when He sees us face difficulties and pain? And while pouring out your heart to our Heavenly Father, are you also willing to listen to His voice?

Have you ever experienced God helping you directly or indirectly when you fell or sank into the water? Please revisit that experience, and let it affirm that the Heavenly Father’s love for you is real and certain.

Our relationship with the Heavenly Father is a reflection of the relationship between the Son and the Heavenly Father. Can you draw some inspiration from the Son’s example of trusting and obeying the Father?

Today’s Prayer

My beloved Abba Father, I am sorry... I am sorry... When I went through trials, I always thought that I was the most miserable, the most helpless and the most misunderstood. Yet I failed to realize that, for my sake, You were the one who experienced the greatest pain, the deepest helplessness, and the most profound misunderstanding!

Today, I understand that if it were possible, You would rather be the one who suffers. In fact, for my sake, You truly endured the greatest pain in the form of Your Son! Once I saw this truth clearly, I fully understood that the suffering I must endure is an essential stage in my growth. It is a necessary part of my earthly pilgrimage.

Please forgive me for my past ignorance and for all the misunderstandings I have held about You, which have aggravated the grievances and sufferings You have already endured because of me.

Father! I truly do not wish to hurt You any further! Please help me to strengthen my trust in You, and enable me to follow the example of Jesus in loving and obeying You.

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

You should still remember that on the first day of our retreat, we quoted from the book of the prophet Jeremiah, chapter 29, verse 11, where God speaks to us: “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

You may have doubts in your heart: Is this true? Is God's plan for me truly one of peace and free from disaster? Why do my experiences tell me otherwise? If God truly cares for me and has a hopeful future planned for me, shouldn’t He remove all the difficulties and sufferings I experience so that I could experience His love more directly?

God indeed has a plan for us, but its ultimate purpose goes beyond our worldly concerns. It points toward the future, an eternal and hopeful future! God allows us to go through various trials and tribulations in this life for one main reason: to prepare us for eternal life.

No one likes trials and suffering, but no one would object to self-improvement and becoming a better person. This desire is part of our human nature, given by God, to set life goals and seek a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. If we elevate our thoughts beyond worldly concerns, we can begin to understand God's desire for us: He wants to elevate our humanity so that we may share in His divinity, ultimately leading us to perfection, holiness, and eternal union with Him.

This may seem impossible, but it became possible through Jesus Christ, who took on humanity by being born into this world. The spiritual transformation that we cannot achieve by human effort alone can be accomplished through the power given by God, through the Holy Spirit. However, for this divine plan to be fulfilled, it requires our active cooperation.

Let’s use an analogy. Our learning process in this world requires us to take exams to ensure we understand and can apply what we have learned. The purpose of exams is to challenge us. Through taking exams, we improve ourselves and become better equipped for greater responsibilities and missions in life.

Examinations come in different levels. As we grow, the difficulty naturally increases, otherwise, we would not achieve the expected results. This pushes us to study harder, step out of our comfort zones, challenge ourselves, and strive for a higher level of achievement.

Similarly, God allows us to face different trials in life, not because He does not care or love us, but precisely because He does! God endures the pain of watching us go through suffering because He knows that only in this way can we learn and grow, improve ourselves, and become more like Him. Ultimately, this enables us to experience the fullness of joy in communion with Him.

Reflection

God has promised that His plan for you is one of peace, not of disaster, and that He has a future with hope for you. Have you ever doubted this promise?

Do you believe that growth in life and faith require going through different tests and exams, just like our learning process in school?

Do you wish that God would use other ways, ones that do not involve suffering or tests, to help you grow in character and virtue? Take a moment now to share your thoughts with our Lord in prayer.

Today's Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for listening to me today. I know that You understand my deep longing for a smoother, more peaceful journey in this life, free from disasters. But I also understand the message You want to tell me today. You want me to understand the reasons behind the difficulties and pain You allow me to experience.

Father, I understand, but sometimes the difficulties of life feel overwhelming. Sometimes, I don't want to face them. At times, I even feel like giving up…

I now call on the holy name of Jesus and pray to you. Please grant me the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Open the eyes of my heart so that I may see my sufferings with the eyes of faith, and through them, become more like You and draw closer to You…

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

During the past four days of this retreat, we have outlined the initial framework and image of the theme of this retreat, "Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom." We have examined the current state of both the world and our hearts, as well as our ultimate hope — our true destination. This has helped us establish both the starting point and the final destination of our earthly journey. Our loving God has already prepared a perfect navigation system to guide us through the various challenges we encounter in this life. This system helps us overcome obstacles and safely reach our final destination — eternal life, which is our ultimate happiness.

This navigation system God has given us is called "hope," and it is something we can fully trust. However, the devil envies us and does not want us to attain eternal life, nor does he want God to be with us forever. As a result, it seeks to attack our hope, attempting to snatch it from our hands. Its goal is to make us lose our way on this earthly journey and fall into the many traps it has set. Our worldview and mentality towards our earthly life plays a crucial role in determining whether we will easily fall into the enemy’s traps.

We then introduced the concept of our "earthly pilgrimage", as this perspective aligns more closely with how God sees our earthly lives. This understanding helps us establish a correct concept and mindset, preventing us from going astray or falling into the enemy's traps.

Thus, it is essential to understand what it truly means to be a "pilgrim". As we mentioned earlier, a pilgrim is a "temporary resident" and a "traveller." This perspective shifts our focus from temporary matters to eternal ones, reminding us to let go of attachments, so that we can journey forward with greater ease.

Most of us have experience travelling. A good journey allows travellers to enjoy the culture and scenery of different places, discover new and exciting things, meet interesting people, and enjoy the companionship of fellow travellers. All these experiences not only make the journey enjoyable and memorable but also broaden our horizons and increase our knowledge. When we are willing to step out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves to unexpected blessings. This should be the mindset we carry as we live out our "earthly pilgrimage."

Every system requires fine-tuning, and our "navigation system in life" is no exception. Gaining a clear and firm understanding of our journey’s starting point and destination — along with cultivating the right and positive mindset as "pilgrims" — is a crucial adjustment process. This, in turn, enhances the effectiveness of our God-given navigation system, making our earthly journey smoother and more fulfilling.

Reflection

In your earthly life, do you identify yourself as a "pilgrim"? Are there areas where you can learn and improve?

After today’s reflection, do you have a renewed perspective on life? Can you adopt the same excitement and curiosity that you would have when travelling to embrace this earthly pilgrimage?

Can you approach life with a more relaxed attitude and an open heart? What adjustments does your "navigation system" need?

Today's Prayer

Abba Father, thank You for giving me a new perspective today to rediscover my identity as a "pilgrim" in this world and the mentality I should have.

Please continue to enlighten me, so that I may see more clearly how my attachments and biases shape the way I approach life, and, in turn, affect my relationship with You.

Please also forgive me for not cherishing the life You have given me, and for failing to cherish You and appreciate all that You have done for me!

Please help me to embrace and enjoy life with a positive attitude, to make the most of the learning opportunities You provide through my life journey, and no longer take Your boundless grace and love for granted.

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

Over the past few days, we have discussed that, as pilgrims on this earthly journey, we must first recognize where we currently stand and gain clarity about our final destination. Today, let us reflect on the journey in between.

As we embrace this Jubilee with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” it is helpful to understand what a pilgrimage truly is in order to fully appreciate the meaning of being “pilgrims of hope.” When we think of a pilgrimage, we typically envision a devotional journey to a sacred place, often associated with a saint.

The word “pilgrim” comes from the Latin word “peregrinus”, meaning a foreigner, someone on a journey, or a temporary resident. It emphasizes the state of “living abroad.”

By connecting our understanding of pilgrimage with the definition of a pilgrim, it becomes clear that when we refer to life on earth as an “earthly pilgrimage,” we acknowledge that we are merely temporary residents here, journeying toward the ultimate sacred place—our heavenly home. This perspective helps us orient our lives according to God’s will and adopt the right outlook on our earthly existence. Such a perspective is crucial in navigating the maze of life.

Pope Leo XIII urged the faithful “to raise their thoughts, now busied with worldly matters, to the contemplation of heavenly things.” This highlights the importance of shifting our focus from earthly concerns to eternal realities—the true essence of pilgrimage.

Let us delve deeper into the meaning of pilgrimage to gain further insight into what our earthly life should be like, thereby making our journey home to the Father’s house—our heavenly home—easier.

The teachings of the Church emphasize that pilgrimage is a time of conversion and renewal. A pilgrimage signifies not just a journey but a purposeful movement toward a destination and a higher goal. When we adopt the mindset of a pilgrimage, our life on earth becomes a spiritual journey—one that reflects the human search for purpose and a divine encounter.

Genuine and intimate encounters with our Lord Jesus along our earthly pilgrimage not only help us nurture an ever-deepening relationship with God but also prepare us, as pilgrims, to remain steadfast on the path toward our ultimate encounter with God the Father. Our relationship with Jesus lifts our gaze from earthly attachments to the anticipation of eternal and everlasting joy in heaven.

The theme “Pilgrims of Hope” rightly connects us with Jesus, our Lord, who is the source of salvation and hope for all believers.

Reflection

Is your mind primarily occupied with worldly affairs, or do you make space to elevate your thoughts to heavenly matters?

Do you find your life, your pilgrimage on earth, stagnant or constantly renewing? Aimless or purposeful?

After today's reflection, do you have any new insights into the meaning and direction of your earthly life? What changes do you desire?

Today’s Prayer

Merciful Abba Father, thank You for giving me the opportunity today to pause and reflect on the meaning of my earthly life. You have granted me the chance to examine where my focus truly lies, whether it is directed toward You or merely fixed on the world. Please forgive me for not slowing down in life, for not setting aside worldly matters to contemplate heavenly things, and for failing to seek an encounter with You.

Thank You for allowing me to see my true identity and the real purpose of my earthly journey. Thank You for helping me recalibrate the navigation system of my life so that my hope may be firmly anchored in my Lord Jesus.

Holy Spirit, please guide me to live my earthly life well from this day forward and to prepare myself well to enter into Your eternal kingdom.

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

During yesterday's retreat, we mentioned that the Global Positioning System (GPS) we commonly use today requires us to input both the starting point and the destination so that the system can successfully guide us to our destination. This serves as a reminder that our lives need a clear goal and direction, and we must be aware of our current position so that the navigation system can effectively guide us.

You might have had the experience where you’re heading to a place you frequent, and you know the route that will get you there the quickest, so you don’t rely on the GPS for directions. But then, suddenly, you encounter roadwork, a traffic accident, or other unexpected events, which forces you to make immediate changes, such as taking a detour, and ultimately causing a delay. Many of us, like other GPS users, might regret not using the GPS from the start, which caused our plans being thrown off! This experience and feeling are probably familiar to you.

Our lives are much like a journey. Once we set a life goal and decide to strive towards it, generally, we can follow many worldly methods and wisdom to help us reach that goal. However, life often presents unexpected twists and turns, requiring us to change our initial decisions or even alter the course of our lives!

God knows that we will face many twists and turns in our lives, and He has specifically given us the virtues of faith, hope, and love to guide us. Among them, “hope” can be seen as our life’s navigation system. It is our guide, especially when we face obstacles in life. Hope can be the light on our journey, helping us find the way and overcome both internal and external struggles.

Life indeed feels like a maze, especially in this rapidly changing era. Often, we fail to grasp what is happening around us and why events unfold the way they do because things happen so fast. We must respond quickly, much like making immediate decisions on a fast-moving highway. When we are at a loss, how can we make wise decisions and choose the right direction? In such circumstances, ordinary navigation systems are of little help!

Does God want us to be lost? Absolutely not! He has already prepared a navigation system for our lives. Do we want to keep repeating the same mistakes, thinking that we have mastered the way ahead, and refuse to use the navigation system that God has "tailor-made" for us?

Getting lost on the road may not cause much harm. At most, it will just delay our journey. But if we make the same mistake in our lives, the consequences are far more serious. Let us accept God’s deepest concerns for us and entrust the role of life’s navigation to Him, and let Him take the lead!

Reflection

Do you think you can easily adapt to life in this rapidly changing era without getting lost? What do you rely on as your life’s navigation system?

Have you ever felt lost or disoriented in your life? Reflect on that experience and how you felt.

Do you trust the life navigation system God has prepared for you? Do you yearn for and are you willing to accept God’s loving concern for you, and give Him the guiding role in your life?

Today’s Prayer

Almighty Abba Father, thank You for giving me an important reminder in today’s reflection, that is, no matter how bumpy or challenging life may be, or how many disappointments I face, I am not facing them alone. You have already prepared and blessed me with a tailor-made life navigation system, guiding me and being my light in the darkness, leading me when I am lost.

Please don’t let me fall into the abyss of despair, but help me to always recognize Your care for me, even in difficult times. May I awaken from the stubbornness of self-navigation and turn to You for protection, so that the "hope" You have gifted me can be the navigator of my life.

Holy Spirit, I submit myself to You. Take charge of my life!

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The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

When promoting this online retreat, we mentioned: "In a world plagued by an epidemic of depression and hopelessness like never before, it’s clear that what the world offers is leading us in the wrong direction." But just how serious is this problem?

In recent years, alarming statistics on mental health have continued to rise, particularly in the prevalence of depression and the growing sense of despair. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year— with depression being a major contributing factor. Even more concerning is that hopelessness creates a vicious cycle—the more one feels lost in despair, the harder it becomes to seek help or make changes, leading to social isolation and deepening hopelessness.

Studies and surveys have also shown a significant increase in depression among adolescents and young adults, which is deeply worrying. In fact, suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Young people are the pillars of our future and the wellspring of hope for society. They are a group we must protect and care for at all costs.

You might think: "I don’t want to hear more discouraging news." And it’s true—no one wants to be bombarded with negativity. But ignoring the problem won’t make it disappear. Instead, we must courageously face these realities and actively seek solutions. Just like when we are physically ill, we cannot refuse to accept and face the condition without understanding it, nor should we delay treatment.

We must remember that “faith” and “hope” are deeply intertwined. When people lose hope, their faith often weakens, making it easier to abandon their belief altogether. Therefore, we have reason to believe that the rampant depression and anxiety are the devil’s despicable means of separating us from our Heavenly Father. They are traps that we, as children of our Heavenly Father, must guard against. Overcoming despair and embracing hope is a spiritual battle that we must win.

When using a GPS, we must enter both a starting point and a destination so that the system can successfully lead us to our destination. Likewise, as pilgrims on this earthly journey, we must first recognize where we currently stand and also have clarity about our final destination. Without a clear goal, reaching our intended destination is impossible!

Regarding our life’s ultimate goal, we find great insight in the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the virtue of hope:
"Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness." (CCC 1817)

Our hope and ultimate destination—our eternal happiness—is everlasting life in the presence of God. Only by keeping this goal in mind can we cultivate true and unshakable hope, becoming true Pilgrims of Hope in this world.

Reflection

Are you hesitant to face reality, whether due to your internal struggles or external circumstances? Why?

Do you regard eternal life as the ultimate destination of your earthly journey? Do you still have doubts about the promise of eternal life?

Do you have a correct understanding of the virtue of “hope”? Do you believe you possess a strong and living hope? Why or why not?

Today’s Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for inspiring the Holy Father to set "Pilgrims of Hope" as the theme for this Jubilee Year, reminding us of our identity and mission it entails—especially the call to strengthen our hope in You and to care for those who are lost, forgotten, or in despair.

Grant me a compassionate heart, like Yours, that truly sees and understands the suffering and struggles of my brothers and sisters in despair so that I can care for them. Help me to face the growing crisis of hopelessness and to take action in fostering a culture of encouragement and hope in this world.

Holy Spirit, accompany me, strengthen me, and grant me the grace and power to press on toward the goal on this earthly pilgrimage together with my fellow brothers and sisters. Amen.

--------------------

The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.
Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung
Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: J. Johnson
Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou
Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee
Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria

"Farmer of Hearts" was launched at the beginning of the pandemic. Over the past five years, “farmers of hearts” from all over the world have been cultivating their hearts. In addition to preparing their hearts to remember the suffering that Jesus endured for us and to celebrate His glorious resurrection, they have also been constantly straightening the path between Jesus and us, so that we can fully embrace Christ as the King of our lives and surrender to His lordship.

However, the challenges we face—both externally and within—often shake our hope and faith in the future, trapping us in anxiety and despair. In such times, maintaining an inner peace, let alone joy, feels almost impossible. The world is filled with confusion, with distorted narratives and events that leave us bewildered and even gasping for air.

But God, our loving Father, sees our struggles. This is why He inspired Pope Francis to set "Pilgrims of Hope" as the theme for this Jubilee Year. God wants to rekindle hope in our lives and encourage us on this pilgrimage of faith!

We must firmly believe that the current state of the world is not the intention of our Heavenly Father, nor is He indifferent to our struggles. Although with our limited wisdom and vision, it is impossible to fully understand why He allows certain trials to happen in our lives and in the world, but we can trust that God allows these things to happen for a reason and for our benefit. We can confirm this from what God says to us in Jeremiah 29:11:

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

This promise of God to us is not empty words. In fact, this promise has been fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ, who became man and died and rose again for us. Jesus entrusted us with the torch of hope, passing it on through His teachings and the Church He established, and instructed us to pass on this gospel of hope from generation to generation. Yet, before we can share this hope, we must first reclaim and strengthen it in our own hearts.

Whether you long to become a person of greater hope or a bearer of hope for others, God invites you to actively participate in this journey. Hope does not grow by chance—it requires our effort and openness.

This Lenten season, let us cultivate our hearts, transforming them into fertile soil of hope—so that we, in turn, may be a blessing to others.

Reflection

What external and internal factors are shaking your hope in life? Do you trust that God can rescue you from a state of hopelessness?

Do you believe that God cares about the struggles you are facing? Take a moment to reflect on His promise to you:
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

In silence, ask the Lord to renew your spirit and open your heart to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit on this 40-day pilgrimage of hope.

Today’s Prayer

As we begin this journey of hope, let us pray to our Father in Heaven with the Jubilee Prayer, “Pilgrim of Hope.”

Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen.

--------------------

The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.

Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Writer: Paul Yeung

Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse

Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse

English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung

Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.

Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo

English Narrator: J. Johnson

Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou

Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo

YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee

Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong

Podcast: Angela Wong

Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

"3 MINUTES RELAXATION MUSIC | 4K Scenic View of Tuscany" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist

“Sea of Memory” by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria