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

But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!” But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what was heard from us?” Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:14–17)Today, we must recognize a profound truth: we no longer belong to ourselves. We belong to Jesus Christ, who redeemed us at a heavy price. Since we were created for a divine purpose, we cannot live merely for ourselves. We must take responsibility by no longer viewing our time, talents, and money as “our own,” but as resources entrusted to us by God—temporarily lent to accomplish His higher and greater purposes.We are called to imitate St. John the Baptist. The prophet Isaiah foretold him as “a voice crying out in the wilderness” (cf. Isaiah 40:3–5), preparing the way of the Lord. Jesus Himself described John the Baptist as “a burning and shining lamp” (John 5:35), bearing witness to the truth. To become such a lamp today, we must continually listen to God’s voice, so that we may become instruments through which God speaks to others and to the world. If we truly desire to serve God, receiving direction from Him is not optional—it is absolutely essential. Consider Jesus in the Gospel of John: He repeatedly emphasizes that He does not speak on His own. He says, “The word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me” (John 14:24), and again, “The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works” (John 14:10). If even Jesus depended entirely on the Father’s voice, how much more must we? We must be courageous in speaking for the Lord and not suppress our witness, for the prophetic role is increasingly important in our time. God needs you to be His voice! Therefore, we must “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16).To live this out, in addition to God’s Word, we desperately need the Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, who will teach us all things, enlighten us to understand God’s Word, and give us the strength to carry out Jesus’ teachings. The Holy Spirit helps us discern God’s will, examine our hearts, maintain spiritual sensitivity, and remain childlike before the Lord—living in complete dependence on God rather than acting independently.However, words without action are dead. We must learn from Mother Mary, who both treasured God’s Word in her heart and acted upon it with the obedience of faith. In this way, we ensure that God’s Word does not return to Him empty! Here is the “obedience key”: God often gives the next instruction only after we have carried out the previous one. As the Psalm says, “Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way;” (Psalm 37:23).As we read and meditate on God’s Word daily, it becomes our spiritual treasury. We store up the most precious riches, ready for times of trial, and we are equipped to share God’s love. Ultimately, as we fall more deeply in love with God, we reach a point where—even when we cannot clearly hear His voice—we can instinctively understand His heart and His expectations for us. We become like Jesus, praying with confidence: “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I knew that you always hear me” (John 11:41–42).Looking back over these forty days, the key to achieving the goal of this retreat can be summed up in the motto of St. John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). The essence of this journey is the continual diminishing of the ego—letting go of the illusion that we are in control—and learning to rely completely on God.In this regard, no one lived this more radically than St. Francis of Assisi. When God called him to “repair His Church,” Francis embraced the Gospel in the most literal way. To declare his total dependence on God, he stripped off his own clothes in the public square, handing them back to his earthly father along with his inheritance. In that profound act of surrender, he declared that from then on he had only one Father in heaven. By embracing absolute poverty and letting go of all worldly attachments, Francis emptied himself completely so that Christ might increase within him. In the end, he became “another Christ” (alter Christus), a living icon of Jesus.As we conclude this retreat, let us fix our gaze on God’s dream: that His Kingdom will be firmly established in our hearts and solidly built in the world. We cannot accomplish this mission alone; we must carry it out in unity within the Church. Undeniably, the road ahead will bring many challenges and trials. Yet precisely because of our radical dependence on God, we choos

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)The darkest moments in our lives are often when we can no longer hear God’s voice or feel His presence. When we feel that God has seemingly left us and no longer cares for us, that feeling is deeply unsettling. When our faith is put to severe test, God may at times appear extremely distant—so much so that He seems entirely absent.When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He fully shared in this heart-wrenching human suffering. Out of compassion for our suffering, He took upon Himself the full weight of all the evil and sin in the world. At that moment, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, experiencing what felt like total abandonment. When God remains silent, the burdens we carry can feel unbearably heavy. Deep within, we may cry out: Does God care? Is He deliberately remaining silent? If He is God, why does He not break His silence and intervene?But let us ask a deeper question: who is it that causes God’s silence? Among all created beings, it is we who are most capable—and most often responsible—for silencing God! Our indifference, our hardness of heart, our choices to pursue worldly attachments and turn away from Him, and our desire to detach ourselves completely and live independently of Him—all these build a wall that prevents us from hearing His voice.Yet God is by no means a cold and indifferent observer. His Sacred Heart is continually pierced by our rejection. And what wounds the Father’s Heart most deeply is the immense suffering He endured in handing over His only Son for our salvation. If the Father loves us enough to endure the unimaginable pain of giving up Jesus, how can we think that He does not care about the struggles in our lives? When God sees us suffer—especially when our souls are wounded—His Heart is deeply pierced. Do we truly care about God’s feelings, and do we reflect on why He sometimes remains silent?For our sake, both the Father and the Son went through an extremely painful process of “letting go.” The Father gave up His only Son, allowing Him to take on the brokenness of our humanity. As for Jesus, in order to fulfill His mission of redemption, He not only gave His life, but step by step relinquished all the “rights” of His humanity and divinity.When He accepted the humiliation of the cross, He let go of His status and His divinity, not grasping at His equality with God. He consciously surrendered His own will and human preference, praying: “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). He let go of every possibility of saving Himself.He also gave up His dignity, willingly accepting mockery, being spat upon, and being stripped naked—completely abandoning His right to be respected. When He was falsely accused, He remained silent, letting go of the right to defend Himself or demand earthly justice. Moreover, in His darkest hours, He gave up the comfort of His closest friends—who fell asleep, betrayed Him, or fled.In the end, He faced the ultimate abandonment; as He cried out on the cross, He expressed the deepest human sense of desolation and forsakenness. He willingly bore the crushing weight of our punishment for sin, revealing to us the highest form of love.Jesus’ journey to the cross is the ultimate archetype of “abandonment.” If God could abandon Himself so completely for our sake, why can we not do the same for Him?We must embrace this spirit of "abandonment" which means complete surrendering to God. This is not a one-time decision, but a continual, daily process of diminishing the self to make room for God. What, then, do we need to let go of?First, we must let go of our insistence on “understanding everything,” no longer demanding answers for every suffering. We must also let go of our reliance on feelings, recognizing that even when we do not feel God’s presence, He is still truly there. We need to relinquish our attachment to reputation, no longer seeking others’ respect and approval; and let go of our personal preferences, no longer insisting that everything be done “my way,” learning to release resentment when things do not go as expected.We must also surrender our own timelines, no longer clinging to when things “should” happen. We need to let go of spiritual pride, abandoning the illusion that we can achieve “perfection” by our own efforts, and instead rely completely on God’s grace. Finally, we need to surrender all past regrets to God’s mercy, and let go of the illusion of control—tearing up the blueprint we have drawn for our lives, and allowing God to write a far more beautiful story for us.When God’s silence becomes unbearable, let us look to the Cross. Jesus shows us that in the face of feeling abandoned, the ultimate response is not despair, but to surrender our entire lives—completely entrusting ourselves into the hands of the Father. By letting go of our need to take control of our lives, our rigid timelines, and our spiritual pride, our hands are no longer tightly grasping the things of this world, and can

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)What does it really mean to love others “just as Jesus has loved us”?Jesus did not simply issue this command from on high; He personally demonstrated it for us. He humbled Himself, took off His outer garment, wrapped a towel around His waist, and washed the dust from His disciples’ feet. If even God Himself is willing to kneel down and serve us in such an incredibly humble way, then we truly have no excuse not to do the same to serve one another. Yet what is striking is that the washing of feet was only the beginning. This act reveals to us what “Servant Leadership” truly is. As beautiful as this image is, it is only the relatively easier part.Jesus then showed us the ultimate expression of His love: He stretched out His arms on the cross and gave His life for us! This perfect example fulfills His own mission statement: “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)This is the extent of love that Jesus asks of us. It is indeed incredibly hard, because it means we must be willing to sacrifice ourselves for others. But to truly live out this new commandment, we must not only embrace the call to self-sacrifice—we must also not “choose” whom we are willing to sacrifice for.St. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:6–8 that Christ died for us while we were still weak and still sinners—this is how God proves His love for us. Furthermore, Jesus explicitly instructs us not to limit our service only to those we care about or those who “deserve” it. In Luke 14:12–14, He tells us that when we host a banquet, we should not invite our friends or wealthy neighbours who can repay us; rather, we should invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind—those who cannot repay us.These are precisely the people Jesus is especially concerned about: the Last, the Least, and the Lost. Jesus teaches, “The last will be first” (Matthew 20:16); and that “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40); and He came “to seek out and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Therefore, if we want to find Jesus, draw close to Him, and listen to His voice, we know clearly where He is: Jesus is present among the poor and the broken.Yet we must honestly admit that Jesus’ standard is extremely high. Where can we find the strength to live this out? What motivation can move us to shift our focus toward others—to reach out in love—rather than being preoccupied with our own interests?A “kind heart” or human willpower alone is not enough to sustain a life of service. If we rely only on ourselves, we will eventually run dry. The source of our service must be deeply rooted in Jesus’ perfect love. In fact, Jesus tells us that when we serve others, we are serving Him. We must use His Sacred Heart to serve Jesus through serving the least.Therefore, the foundation of our self-giving must be firmly rooted in God’s love. Unless we remain in constant communion with Him and continually draw from His infinite love, we will quickly exhaust the “fuel” of our lives. If we do not carry the love of Jesus within us, we may serve for a while out of enthusiasm, but we cannot persevere. For we cannot give what we do not have. Without God, we are all weak and broken. We are fully capable of betraying Jesus like Judas, or denying Him three times like Peter when He needs us most.Thus, we must continually return to the source:“Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6) Once you have truly tasted God’s love, everything you do will be utterly transformed.A reflection by a Jesuit priest Fr. Joseph P. Whelan, S.J. beautifully captures this dynamic of love: “Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than Falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.”Now, let us truly sense how deeply we are loved, and listen again with new eyes to what Jesus says to us:“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)ReflectionIn my daily life or community, who are the “last, the least, and the lost”? How is Jesus inviting me to serve them?Do I unconsciously choose whom to love and serve based on “who can repay me” or “who is easier to love”?What currently drives how I live each day and spend my weekends? What brings me joy and excitement? Is it God—or something else?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, You command me to love others just as You have loved me. I confess that on my own, I am so w

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21)Yesterday we talked about the urgency of learning to listen to God’s voice before the “night” comes. Today, we must face another pressing and important task in life: learning to choose God above all things. And make no mistake, this is not easy at all.Our life on earth is a journey of returning to the Father’s house. It is a long journey that requires gradual preparation, and therefore we must set out early. If we truly see our earthly life as preparation for eternal life, then the earlier we begin, the easier and better this journey will be. In order to learn to choose God above all things, we must learn to “let go.” Choosing God is, in fact, a lifelong practice of learning to let go. We must take it step by step, beginning with letting go of material possessions. Only through repeated practice in our daily lives can we master this essential spiritual discipline.If our ultimate goal and destination is heaven, then we must take this matter seriously. Time is not in our hands. Most people spend their entire lives accumulating things—whether tangible or intangible. They devote enormous amounts of time, money, and energy to acquiring possessions. Yet sadly, when the end of life comes, they are forced to relinquish everything in a brief, stressful, and often painful moment. To be separated from the possessions they cherish is like a knife piercing the heart, because when the time comes, everything will be forcibly “taken away.”When we try to listen to God’s voice, the material possessions and wealth we hold often become a deafening “noise.” Why is this so? Because they occupy our hearts. As Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) The spiritual “equation” is actually quite simple: the fewer worldly things we possess, the more space we have for God in our hearts. Consider this: if you continually maintain a habit of accumulating worldly possessions, then as you grow older, the noise created by these attachments will grow louder, while God’s presence in your life becomes increasingly faint. When your life comes to an end, you may suddenly find yourself stripped of everything—and yet still far from your ultimate destination, the Father’s house. At that point, the journey home, even if not impossible, will become exceedingly difficult.In contrast, let us look at the saints who chose the better part. St. Francis of Assisi made a radical decision in his youth. Fixing his gaze on his ultimate destination, he stripped off his fine clothes, renounced his inheritance, and let go of all worldly security, choosing God alone. When he let go of everything, he instead received everything anew through God’s generous gifts. When he laid down the world, he was left with God alone—and precisely because of this, he possessed everything!In fact, St. Francis longed to go ever further in possessing God, desiring an unceasing union with Him. Because his heart was not occupied by worldly things, he was able to find God everywhere: in nature, in animals, and in all created things. This state of “finding God in all things” was of utmost importance to saints like St. Francis and St. Ignatius. They desired that at every moment of their earthly pilgrimage, they might see, hear, and experience God. By remaining detached from worldly things, they greatly widened their spiritual channels, enabling themselves to receive God’s voice more fully.Their sense of security was rooted entirely in the Father. Jesus Himself lived in this radical dependence. He acknowledged that “all that the Father has is mine,” (John 17:10) yet in this world He possessed nothing, even saying, “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Luke 9:58). Jesus shows us that the true security of a child does not rest on material things, but on the inexhaustible resources of the Father.As we gradually let go of our attachments in life, we are set free from worldly bondage. We learn to rely completely on God’s word and His providence. Our Heavenly Father is a generous provider; when we count on Him completely, He will grant us all that we need—and even more! Those who rely entirely on God, like Jesus, will have unique access to the Father’s Heart. And within the Father’s Heart, we will be able to hear His voice with perfect clarity.This is the ultimate relationship we must begin to build with the Father while we still have time on this earth. Let us remember the tragic lesson of Judas, who chose the wrong path. For thirty pieces of silver—something fleeting—he gave up the Lord who could have been his ultimate eternal treasure. In the end, he lost everything. Today, let us make a different choice. Let us begin to

“We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)Perhaps, as you look back on your life right now, everything appears to be going smoothly. You may not sense an urgent need or desire to listen for God’s voice. After all, you are doing well: you keep the Ten Commandments, attend Mass, and fulfill the basic duties of a Catholic. So what difference would hearing God’s voice really make?To answer this question, we must first understand the very nature of God. Our God is a communion of love; His very essence is to live “for others,” completely self-giving, rather than self-serving. Created in His image, we are meant to share in this selfless nature. However, under the influence of original sin, and reinforced by a culture that constantly emphasizes self-centeredness, our hearts gradually lose their proper orientation and begin to turn inward. We become preoccupied with our own comfort and personal interests, allowing selfishness to dominate our vision.But if we embrace the true calling to “serve others rather than ourselves,” everything changes. When you make yourself available to others and respond readily to their needs, God will surely provide you with greater guidance through His word. God created us with a sacred purpose. Fulfilling this purpose is not a one-time act, but a lifelong commitment that must be lived out day by day, in every present moment, with our whole being.This brings us to the “duty of the moment.” You are placed in a specific time, in a specific place, encountering specific people for a profound reason. In every moment, there is a concrete duty waiting for us to respond—not to serve ourselves, but to serve others. God is a generous provider; He gives us exactly the resources we need to fulfill the duty of the moment, including our time, talents, charisms, and even material resources. Moreover, He grants us wisdom and direction, showing us how to use these gifts appropriately in each situation. This guidance is precisely God’s voice, prompting and leading us in various ways.Remember that as a baptized Christian, you are called to share in Christ’s prophetic office. God desires to speak through you to others; this may take the form of a word of comfort, or guidance directed to an individual, a group, or even a wider audience.How do we receive these messages? Sacred Scripture is the most reliable and objective way to hear God’s voice, because it is His Word. As you read the Bible, certain passages may suddenly “stand out” or speak directly to your current situation. This is the work of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates a “living word” for you. In response to the needs of others around you, or to your duty of the moment, God communicates with you through these timely illuminated passages. The Holy Spirit brings these words to life within you, filling them with power and making them deeply relevant to your present needs. This not only provides personal direction, but also imparts spiritual vitality.Finally, we must recognize a profound sense of urgency—why we must learn to listen to God’s voice now. In the Gospel of John, Jesus reminds us: “Night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). There will come a day when hearing God’s voice becomes extremely difficult.Consider this: at some point in the future, our ability and capacity to pray, to listen, and even to connect with God may be severely limited by failing health or drastic changes in our circumstances. Imagine being caught in a war, struck by a sudden illness, or battling the inevitable cognitive decline of old age. When such moments arrive, physical suffering, inner fear, and helplessness can become overwhelming “noise” that nearly drowns out the soul. At that time, the spirit may be willing, but the body and mind may be too weak to focus.The window of time we have now—to listen in stillness and to deepen our relationship with God in prayer—is far more limited than we realize. That is why today we must begin to build within our hearts a deep treasury of God’s Word. Treasure this present moment—while we can still listen clearly, read with ease, and serve actively with our strength. Today, listen attentively to God, so that when the night of life suddenly falls, His Word will already be deeply rooted within you, becoming an unshakable anchor in the depths of your soul, unafraid of any storm.Let us reflect once more on the words of the Lord Jesus:“We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)ReflectionAm I merely content with fulfilling basic religious duties, or do I actively seek God’s voice in order to serve others?What is my current “duty of the moment”? Take time now in prayer to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit: in my life at this very moment, who needs me to be a prophet for them?When I consider that “night is coming”—whether through illness, aging, or crisis—does this awareness become a turning p

“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” (Revelation 3:20)Very often, the greatest problem we encounter in spiritual communication is falling into the trap of “one-way communication.” When we are overly self-centred in our communication with others, we neglect their needs and feelings. Similarly, when in prayer we pile up our own requests, our own thoughts, and the outcomes we desire, there is no room left for God’s will. Nor do we pay attention to God’s feelings or desires. Our prayer then becomes a mere “routine task”—something done to meet our own needs, to fulfill an obligation, or to check a box—while completely losing its core meaning, which is to build a heart-to-heart, intimate relationship with God.True communication, however, should foster the building of a genuine and sincere relationship. The same applies to our relationship with God. We must not only talk to God, but learn to talk with God. Christian prayer, in essence, is an encounter between God and man, where God's gift and man's acceptance of it are united in dialogue with each other. Prayer is a reciprocal call, a covenant drama that unfolds in our hearts.If we truly desire to nurture such a relationship, we must show a genuine longing to know God. We should treat God like a real person. Just as in building friendships in this world, we must be attentive to God’s feelings, desires, and nature. Do not approach God each time focusing only on our requests and needs; try speaking with Him simply for the sake of building relationship, for the sake of companionship. Most importantly, do not keep talking endlessly without leaving any quiet time to listen to Him.To build a good relationship with God, we need to know Him deeply—discovering His character, what He delights in, and what He dislikes. By observing in Scripture whom and what Jesus loved and disliked, we can avoid repeating mistakes and refrain from doing what disappoints God.Like speaking with a close friend, we need to be fully attentive rather than distracted. Jesus does not delight in our divided attention or our inability to give Him our full presence. Do you remember Martha? Although she welcomed Jesus into her home, she became anxious and distracted by her many tasks, missing the opportunity to connect with Him. In contrast, her sister Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened attentively to His words. Jesus clearly stated that Mary had chosen the better part. (Luke 10:38-42) Lack of focus and a wandering mind in God’s presence is, in fact, a form of disrespect.Jesus is also disappointed by those who lack gratitude. After He healed ten lepers, only one returned to praise God. Jesus expressed His disappointment: “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they?” (Luke 17:11-19) Furthermore, He dislikes empty promises—those who verbally agree to follow but fail to act. In the parable of the two sons, the second son said, “Father, I will go,” but did not go. (Matthew 21:28-32) Jesus made it clear that those who do not put their words into action are not carrying out the will of the Father.Because relationships are two-way streets, God never forces His will upon us. He keeps His distance from the hard-hearted and the proud, like the Pharisees. Yet when our hearts are open—willing to listen and to follow—He is eager to speak to us.On the other hand, what kind of people please Jesus? He delights in those who do the Father’s will, such as Mother Mary and St. Peter. He loves those who stay close to Him, leaning on Him, like St. John at the Last Supper. He especially cherishes those who are eager and ready to listen: the two disciples on the road to Emmaus whose hearts burned within them (Luke 24:13-35); and Mary of Bethany, who chose the better part (Luke 10:38-42); and even the young Samuel in the Old Testament, who simply said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:1-10) delights our God.If we truly desire to discover what pleases Jesus, Scripture offers countless examples. If you seek His guidance today, do not just listen, but be ready to obey and put it into action. As long as we have the desire and are ready, Jesus is always waiting to meet us. If we show genuine interest, He will speak to us, converse with us, and share His very life with us. Behold, He is standing at the door and knocking! Today, are you willing to open the door of your heart and invite Him in to dine with you?Let us once again prepare our hearts and quietly listen to the invitation of Jesus:“Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.” (Revelation 3:20)ReflectionWhen I pray, am I mostly presenting my needs in a one-way manner, or do I leave space to listen to and truly “converse” with God?How can I treat God as an intimate friend today, for example, by paying more attention to what pleas

“But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)If we truly desire not to miss God’s voice and not to let His words return to Him empty, we must first establish a clear and open channel of communication with Him. Secondly, His words must have a tangible impact on our lives. If either of these conditions is lacking—or if both are absent—then God’s words will not be able to take root and grow in our hearts.There are many factors that can disrupt this communication, some of which we have already explored earlier. Today, let us go deeper into the nature of God’s messages for us. If we can form the right expectations, we will be able to tune the “channel” of our hearts more precisely and thus not miss the words God has prepared for us.In order for God to communicate with us in more ways, we need to expand our spiritual horizons. We must be prepared not only to allow God’s word to comfort and console us, but also to mold us, train us, and empower us. We must even allow Him to challenge us, prune us, and yes—surprise us! If we are determined, like Jesus, to obey and carry out the will of the Father, then we must be fully prepared for all of these.How, then, do we prepare our hearts? We must “expect the unexpected.” Because God’s ways are far above our ways, we need to prepare our hearts to receive a calling that is greater and higher than anything we could imagine. If we exclude everything that lies beyond our expectations or outside our “comfort zone,” we are in fact limiting what God can accomplish through us. Subconsciously, our limited thinking and our desire for comfort become a filter that blocks out God’s voice, making it extremely difficult for us to hear the message He has personally prepared for us.Consider the profound astonishment and awe that the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced at the Annunciation and at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. If her heart had not been prepared to receive the unexpected surprises—indeed, even shocks—of God’s unfolding plan, she might have completely missed His words or worse, ignored and rejected it. Yet, as beautifully captured in the Gospel of Luke: “But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)Mother Mary pondered all that happened during Jesus’ birth and childhood, treasuring these experiences by contemplating their deeper meaning. By “treasuring all these words in her heart,” she acted as a faithful custodian, preserving the memories of these sacred encounters. By “pondering on them,” she did not just accept them passively, but actively sought to understand the profound significance behind everything surrounding Jesus’ life. By piecing together different events—the joyful mysteries, the difficult trials, and the inspirations she received from God—Mary found great consolation and unshakable faith in God’s unfolding words, even amid uncertainty and hardship.Through these virtues, Mother Mary cooperated perfectly with God’s grace. She allowed the Holy Spirit to take full possession and lead her through all the overwhelming challenges she faced as the Mother of the Saviour. Mary is our perfect model: she never missed God’s voice, nor did she allow His word to return to God empty.Let us compare her example with our own lives. Those who insist on remaining within their comfort zone tend to rely solely on themselves, handling problems only within the limits of their own abilities. As a result, their dependence on God is greatly weakened. God’s active presence and involvement in their lives are hindered. They find it difficult to allow God to guide and empower them, let alone surrender to Him. In such a walled-off state, God’s gentle yet unexpected promptings are inevitably missed or ignored.Today, let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to teach us the art of “treasuring” and “pondering” in our hearts. Let us tear down the high walls of our comfort zones so that God’s unexpected, challenging, yet glorious words may take root deep within us.Let us once again listen to and keep this Gospel message in our hearts:“But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)ReflectionHow does my comfort zone act as a filter that blocks out God’s unexpected callings?When God’s words challenge or prune me, do I reject them immediately, or do I, like Mary, ponder them in my heart?How can I incorporate Mary’s habit of “treasuring and pondering” into my daily prayer routine, so as to piece together God’s gradually unfolding will?Today’s PrayerLoving Heavenly Father, I confess that I often confine Your voice within my narrow comfort zone. I filter out Your unexpected calls because I fear the challenges, the pruning, and the transformation You have prepared for my spiritual growth. Forgive my self-reliance, which hinders Your Holy Spirit from working freely and guiding me in my life.Today, I ask for the grace to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant me a receptive and teachable heart, that I may keep Your wor

“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)Yesterday, we learned to be like Jesus, taking the will of the Father as our true “food”—moving from verbal response to concrete and obedient actions, as revealed in the Parable of the Two Sons. Today, we take a step further by adjusting our hearts to align with God’s frequency: by cultivating “contentment” and “gratitude,” we pave the way toward perfect obedience and quiet the anxieties and unrest that harden our hearts.There is a timeless Chinese saying: “Contentment brings lasting joy.” Why is this so? Because a content person focuses on what they have rather than what they lack. They no longer fall into comparison or cling to a sense of entitlement—like the elder son who grew resentful toward God out of envy. Instead, they embrace an inner disposition of “what I have is enough.” As a result, life becomes simpler: distractions decrease, noise diminishes, and one’s energy can be focused on what truly matters. Discernment becomes clearer, and God’s voice is more easily heard. All of this is closely related to “gratitude,” for gratitude is the foundation of living out contentment—it leads us to recognize that everything comes from God.St. Paul teaches us: “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7) From this, we see that anxiety hinders our obedience, while gratitude opens us to the peace that guards our hearts, enabling us to align with God’s frequency. As the Psalm says: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4) In this stillness, the “small, gentle voice” can be heard.Gratitude deeply enhances our spiritual capacity to listen: it activates a sincere and interactive relationship with God; calms stress, anxiety, and bitterness, allowing the heart to be at peace; grounds our faith in God’s past goodness and faithfulness, helping us trust in His promises today; and leads us into His presence—where His voice is most clearly heard.To cultivate this openness of heart and prepare ourselves to listen to and obey God’s voice, here are five practical daily habits:First, begin the day with gratitude: Upon waking, before any worries enter your mind, give thanks to the Lord. This sets a foundation of openness for the day, resisting anxiety from the outset and guiding us toward obedience, as gratitude brings inner transformation.Second, keep brief sensory notes: Three times a day, use your senses to note one gift—for example, the warmth of sunlight on your skin, the chirping sound of birds, or the aroma of coffee. This practice roots us in the present moment, where God is speaking here and now, shifting us from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance and nurturing a contented heart.Third, make gratitude the focus of prayer: In prayer, spend most of your time giving thanks rather than just making requests. Recall specific graces, allowing your heart to resonate with God’s gifts.Fourth, practice gratitude under the guidance of the Holy Spirit: Intentionally pray, “Holy Spirit, what do You want me to be grateful for today?” Then listen in stillness. This allows the Spirit to guide our gratitude, quiet our inner noises, sharpen our sensitivity to the gentle voice, and deepen our trust in God’s providence.Fifth, conduct an evening examen of gratitude: At the end of the day, review your day—thank God for three things, recall one act of obedience you carried out, and entrust everything to Him.As we consistently practice these habits and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, we will gradually notice a transformation in our relationship with God.A grateful disposition is the foundation for hearing God’s voice, because it shifts our inner state from one of fear and scarcity—marked by contraction and closure—to one of expansion and receptivity. When we choose to focus on God’s nature rather than our immediate difficulties, our hearts become “tuned” to His frequency, making us more sensitive to His true presence.Let us once again listen to St. Paul’s teaching:“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)ReflectionWhat anxieties are currently hindering me from walking the path of complete obedience? How can I replace these anxieties with gratitude?Have I overlooked any of the graces God has given me today? If I give thanks for them, how might that help me cultivate a contented heart?What concrete and practical daily habi

“‘I have food to eat of which you do not know.’ … ‘My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work.’” (John 4:32, 34)In this retreat journey, we have been learning together how to tune our hearts to God’s channel—allowing hardened paths to be softened, turning back from the state of the prodigal son who has drifted away from God, and imitating Mary of Bethany and St. Francis in choosing the one thing necessary with radical detachment. In contrast, the elder son’s hidden sense of entitlement and envy separates us from the Father. Today, Jesus reveals to us the most perfect “tuning”: to let our whole being—mind, heart, and spirit—be fully aligned with the Father’s will, so that His will becomes our deepest desire and our daily food.Imagine the scene after Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. The disciples urged Him to eat, but He replied, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” (John 4:32) The disciples remained at a worldly level of understanding, but Jesus revealed the truth behind His words: “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34)For Jesus, true nourishment is not bread or rest, but perfect obedience to the Father—the fulfillment of His will to save humanity. This desire drove Jesus throughout His entire public ministry. When He taught us to pray, He said in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). In the agony of the garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also reminds us: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Words alone are empty; only by doing the Father’s will can we enter the Kingdom. The life of Jesus is a complete and unwavering “yes”—a total obedience to the Father’s will.When we contemplate the heart of Jesus, we clearly see God’s desire: that our will be united with His, and that our desires be shaped by His plan. Yet knowledge alone is not enough. We may know the right words and be familiar with spiritual practices—prayer, service, devotion—but do we truly live out our faith?Jesus illustrates this with the Parable of The Two Sons: A father asks them to work in the vineyard. The first says, “I will not,” but later repents and goes; the second says, “I go, sir,” but does not go. Which one did the father’s will? It was the first, who acted (Matthew 21:28–32). Without sincere action that stems from the heart, verbal or external obedience is meaningless. True sincerity lies in obedience, not in appearances.This reveals an important truth about our relationship with God: faithfulness is mutual. God faithfully fulfills His promises, and we are called to respond faithfully to Him. A true relationship is built on living out God’s Word, not letting it return empty. Consider this: if you were a father, which son would you trust more—the one who promises but does not act, or the one who repents and follows through? What God desires are children who take responsibility for their role, imitating Christ’s perfect obedience. To listen without responding is futile.This is the key point: a well-tuned heart does not just listen—it desires, acts, and completes God’s work. Let us put aside empty words and embrace concrete action. In daily life—persevering in prayer, serving the marginalized, forgiving our enemies—we must not only say “yes” with our lips, but live out that “yes” with our lives. Let our “yes” be united with Christ’s. This Lent, let God’s will become your food. Then your softened heart will become a vineyard bearing eternal fruit.Let us listen attentively and interiorize Jesus’ teaching with a spirit of obedience:“‘I have food to eat of which you do not know.’ … ‘My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work.’” (John 4:32, 34)ReflectionWhat in my life prevents me from treating God’s will as my true “food” as Jesus did?In what situations am I like the second son—saying “yes” to God with my words, but failing to act?Am I content with merely hearing God’s voice, or do I long, with an obedient heart, to let His Word bear fruit within me?Today’s PrayerHeavenly Father, Jesus treated doing Your will as His food and perfectly completed Your work of salvation. Align my desires with Your will; tune my heart so that I may be in harmony with You. Forgive me for those empty words of “Lord, Lord” and for the commitments I have failed to fulfill.May I be like the first son—repentant and willing to act in sincere obedience. Grant that in my daily life I may respond to You faithfully and obediently. As You are always faithful to me, may I also be faithful to You.May Your Word not return empty, but bear fruit in my softened heart. Make me a child who truly longs for and lives out Your will.--------------------------------------------------The following

Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” (Luke 15:28-30)We have journeyed together through the hardened path in the Parable of the Sower, seeing how the prodigal son openly left home in pursuit of independence, distancing himself from his father, and how, through Mary of Bethany and St. Francis, we learned the decisive choice to select the one necessary thing. Today, we encounter the older son; his story reveals a subtler state of a hardened heart.The parable tells us: “Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’” (Luke 15:28-30)On the surface, the older son appears very faithful. He stayed at home, obeyed the commands, and worked diligently. Yet his heart gradually became like compacted soil, and a mentality of entitlement crept in. He believed he deserved special rewards for his good deeds. When his younger brother received mercy, the urge to compare and envy arose in him. Rather than rejoicing at his brother’s return, he grew angry with his father.This is the hidden trap that many of us easily fall into. We may have faithfully served in the Father’s house for years without realizing that a subtle illusion has formed: we assume that by praying fervently, serving in the church, or striving to be good, God is “obliged” to grant us good health, success, and blessings. So when we see others seemingly receiving more blessings, we begin to calculate and compare. Envy slips in—when we see others being blessed, we not only fail to rejoice with them, but we feel sadness, or even greedily desire to claim that grace for ourselves. (CCC 2553) The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that envy is one of the seven capital sins. It arises from pride, is a refusal of charity, and causes resentment toward God, even leading one to accuse God of unfairness or favouritism. (CCC 2540)The evil one exploits this very point to isolate us. Even if our bodies remain in the Father’s house, our hearts may have drifted away. We no longer listen to the gentle voice of the Father; and the seed of God’s word falls on this hardened path and is quickly taken away. Some who have served in the church for years may unknowingly experience this state themselves. Outwardly, they continue to fulfill their duties, but inwardly, they feel that God owes them more, and disappointment gradually hardens into indifference. The Father’s request, like the plea the father in the parable made to the older son, goes unheeded.St. Thomas Aquinas points out that envy stems from vainglory; it is a false sense of self-worth built on comparison that leads to hatred, detraction, and sorrow over the prosperity of others. Yet, love envies no one. The remedy lies in contentment, humility, and rejoicing in others’ blessings, which gives glory to God.Therefore, we must carefully examine our own hearts. If envy and a sense of entitlement remain hidden within, even outwardly good behaviour and fervent religious life are insufficient. Today, our heavenly Father, as the father in the story pleaded with the older son, extends an invitation to us. Will we refuse to enter the feast of mercy and compassion, or will we allow Him to soften our hearts?True conversion is acknowledging our complete dependence on God’s grace rather than relying on our own merits. When we let go of comparison and live with gratitude, the hardened, trampled path can be transformed into fertile soil, allowing God’s word to bear abundant fruit. Let us respond to the Father’s plea, enter His house, and celebrate together in joy.Let us calmly listen to what the Father wishes to say to us:“Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” (Luke 15:31–32)ReflectionDo I feel entitled to more blessings from God because of years of service or piety? What steps can I take to change this mindset?Have I compared myself to others and felt sadness or anger at their blessings, revealing envy in my heart?Have I felt anger at God for what seems like “unfair” treatment? Has this unspoken anger unknowingly closed my heart, making it increasingly difficult to hear His voice?Today’s PrayerF

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)We have now come to a crucial turning point. Over the past few days, we have reflected on the “Parable of the Sower,” particularly the hardened path that was trampled underfoot. It represents how, through indifference and self-reliance, the human heart becomes hardened, so that the Word of God is snatched away before it can take root. We have also seen how the prodigal son, by demanding his inheritance, set himself on a path that led him far away from God. Today, Jesus places before us a choice with no middle ground: either we continue moving away from God, or we turn back to Him completely. Not choosing is, in itself, a choice to remain on the path of drifting away from Him.In the home of Martha and Mary, Jesus says something that pierces the heart: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) This is not merely a gentle invitation, but a clear and urgent call, asking us to make a decisive reorientation of our lives—a complete 180-degree turn back to the Father’s house. Martha’s busyness and anxiety over many things, including all the attachments and concerns within her heart, represent the noise that drowns out the voice of the Shepherd. Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet, shows us the one thing necessary: attentive listening and a loving dependence on the Lord.How intimate our relationship with God can be depends entirely on how humbly we acknowledge that we are in such urgent need of Him. Who among us can honestly say that we never take anything for granted? After losing everything, Job was still able to declare with perfect freedom: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21). Such “detachment” is the path home.Yet detachment does not come naturally. Our human nature tends toward accumulation, attachment, and even addiction to things that seem necessary. Yet the spiritual life requires us to train a kind of “muscle of letting go.” What we must detach from is not God, but our attachment to worldly things. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “faith in God, the only One, leads us to use everything that is not God only insofar as it brings us closer to him, and to detach ourselves from it insofar as it turns us away from him” (CCC 226). It also reiterates: “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” and “detachment from riches is necessary for entering the Kingdom of Heaven” (CCC 2556).St. Francis of Assisi shows us the ultimate embodiment of this choice, living it out radically. In his Rule, he requires the brothers to appropriate nothing for themselves, living like pilgrims and strangers, serving God in poverty and humility. Among the brothers, those who labour must receive only what is necessary for basic living and never money. All this was to safeguard the heart, so that the spirit of holy prayer will not be extinguished. By stripping himself of everything, St. Francis placed himself in complete dependence on the Father. He needed God for food, shelter, and every spiritual grace, and in that dependence, he lacked nothing. Like Mary, St. Francis chose the better part.We are like sheep that easily lose our way. When surrounded by the noise of worries, possessions, and self-sufficiency, we can no longer hear the voice of the Shepherd. The more we desire to turn toward God, the more we must let go of lesser things. This is the wisdom of detachment: because God’s ways are higher than our ways, we must discern what to let go of, so as to lighten our load and hasten our return to the Father’s embrace.The choice before us is simple yet demanding. Will we continue to be distracted by many things, or will we choose the one necessary thing, the part that endures forever? Mary’s choice, Francis’ poverty, and Job’s trust all lead to the same destination: a heart that is no longer hardened, but open and fertile, allowing the Word to bear fruit. Let us make that choice today: to sit at the Lord’s feet, to listen attentively, and to rely on Him completely. That better part will never be taken away from us.Let us now sit at the Lord’s feet once more and listen attentively to these heartfelt words of Jesus:“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)ReflectionIn my daily life, am I more like Martha, distracted and anxious about many things, or more like Mary, choosing to sit at the Lord’s feet? How can I train my heart to let go of lesser things so that I may hear the voice of the Good Shepherd more clearly?Can I truly echo Job’s words of complete detachment

“There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living.” (Luke 15:11-13)Over the past two days, we have reflected on the worst of the four conditions of the heart described in the Parable of the Sower: the seed that falls along the path—on a road that has been heavily trampled. In such a condition, God’s word has virtually no effect, because our hearts have become too hardened and too indifferent, often the result of long-term neglect of our spiritual life. Most of us may find ourselves somewhere in between: on the one hand, we have not reached the ideal of bearing a hundredfold harvest; on the other hand, we have not fallen to the tragic state in which the seed is snatched away by the evil one before it can even take root.At the core of this condition lies our relationship with God. When this relationship is absent or deeply damaged, the Word cannot enter our hearts. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus offers us a vivid and powerful illustration: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living.” (Luke 15:11-13)This younger son represents every heart that chooses to leave the Father and pursue a self-directed and an independent life. In the early stages of the parent–child relationship, dependence brings closeness. But as a child grows and becomes capable of self-sufficiency, communication diminishes and distance increases. The same dynamic appears in our relationship with God. When we treat our talents, health, time, and various blessings as things “rightfully our own,” as though they were owed to us, we begin to regard God’s gifts as private possessions. We deceive ourselves into thinking we can live well and happily apart from God. This is precisely the lie sown by the evil one.The Fathers of the Church identify pride as the root of such behavior. Pride is the beginning of all sins and the first step away from God. When the younger son demanded his inheritance while his father was still alive, he was essentially saying, “I do not want you; I only want what you can give me.” This separation, born of pride, led him to a distant land—far from his father’s house and far from the voice that once nourished him. The human heart, likewise, becomes a path trampled again and again, hardened by the weight of self-will, leaving God’s word to rest only on the surface, soon to be taken away.When we choose to leave God, we cannot complain that He feels distant. Everything we possess originally comes from God, but when we treat these blessings as unrelated to Him, as private property of our own making, we open the door to the evil one, who steals the most important seed—the life-giving Word that leads to eternal life. Success gained through such “independence” may look like victory, but from the perspective of God’s Kingdom, it is the loss and ruin of the soul.Nevertheless, God’s mercy never ceases. Like the father who watched the road day and night waiting for his son’s return, the God who awaits the prodigal extends the same promise to us: the moment we turn back in contrition, the Father not only receives us again but gives us a new heart. Interior repentance is a radical reorientation of the entire life, a wholehearted return to God. Reading Scripture, praying, and worshiping sincerely—these practices revive within us the spirit of conversion and repentance.The question for today is not whether we have gone astray, but whether we are willing to return and amend our ways. Will we continue wandering on the hardened road shaped by a mindset of “independence,” distancing us from God? Or will we allow the Father’s love to till the soil of our hearts once more? Our choice we make now determines our destiny. Let us not wait until everything has been squandered before we awaken and turn back. Even if we are still far away, the moment we turn toward Him, the Father will run to meet us.Let us, with hearts disposed to conversion, once again listen to the words of Jesus:“There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living.” (Luke 15:11-13)ReflectionHave I, in my own life, had moments like the younger son—stretching out my hand to God, demanding “my share,” and unconsciously treating His freely given grace a

“I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you so that you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)Yesterday we examined the path that has been trampled hard—it symbolizes a hardened heart. Because of unconfessed sin, neglect of spiritual discipline, or inner disappointment, the seed of God’s word is unable to take root within us. Unfortunately, none of us is exempt from this condition. Every human heart, to some extent, is heavy and hardened. Therefore, we must honestly ask ourselves: in what areas of my life am I closed off to God?One common expression of this hardness of heart is “stubbornness.” We often cling to the idea that “I must be right,” unwilling to accept others’ opinions or consider new perspectives, even going to great lengths to prove ourselves right. The same stubbornness appears in our relationship with God. If we do not believe that God’s ways are far higher than our ways, we will not submit to Him. If we refuse to bend our knees and surrender before God, then no one can change our hardened hearts—not even God Himself.Even Jesus’ own disciples sometimes showed this kind of hardness of heart. When they were preoccupied with daily concerns, their hearts became dull. Jesus asked them bluntly: “Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?” (Mark 8:17–18). The problem is not merely ignorance, but resistance of the will. St. Thomas Aquinas explains that a hardened heart is one that will not melt under the heat of divine words nor break under their blows. The word of Christ should be like fire and like a hammer, yet we often remain unmoved because we have not truly acknowledged God as the ultimate authority in our lives.Do we truly possess a “fear of the Lord”? Moses, before the burning bush, removed his sandals and veiled his face, acknowledging his smallness before God’s holiness. Isaiah cried out in reverence, confessing that his lips were unclean. This holy fear is not terror, but a deep reverence and awareness that God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. When we have this fear, we become ready to listen and to follow. Without it, we remain stubborn and convinced of our own rightness, and the evil one easily snatches away the word before it can take root.Therefore, the way to heal this hardness of heart—this stubbornness and self-righteousness—is not by relying on our own strength or simply trying harder. Conversion is first and foremost the work of God’s grace; it is God who turns our hearts back to Him. God Himself promises: “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you.” (Ezekiel 36:26–27). St. Augustine teaches that God works in the hearts of men to incline their wills wherever He pleases. He is able to convert even opposing wills and to take away the heart’s hardness.This is why the psalmist pleads: “A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.” (Psalm 51:12). St. Paul also urges us: “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2). These are not mere suggestions, but the path by which we become new creations in Christ.In practical terms, we can begin with prayer, bringing our stubbornness before God and acknowledging the areas where we insist on our own way. We ask the Lord to use the hammer of His word to break the hardness within our hearts. We choose to listen to others with humility, remembering that true growth begins only when we no longer assume we are always right. Most importantly, we open ourselves daily to God’s grace, inviting Him to place His Spirit within us so that we may follow His will.When we allow God to complete this deep work within us, our hearts will soften. What was once hardened and closed will become fertile soil, ready to receive the seed of the Kingdom. The grace that removes our heart of stone will also grant us the strength to begin anew. Let us not resist God’s gentle yet powerful hand, for He desires to make us new.Let us, with hearts of reverence and surrender, once again listen attentively to God’s word:“I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you so that you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)ReflectionIn what areas of my life does my stubbornness show itself, even when God invites me to change, yet I still insist that I am right?Do I truly recognize God as the highest authority in my life, or do I still place my own thoughts above His Word?Am I ready today to ask for t

“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path.” (Matthew 13:19)Yesterday, we reflected on the “rocky ground” and noted that when we hear Jesus speaking, our natural response should be one of excitement and joy. But this raises a very serious question: what if I don’t feel excited? What if I hear the Word of God, yet feel no movement in my heart—no response at all? What should I do?If your response to God is one of coldness, numbness, or indifference, this may indicate that your heart has already become hardened. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus describes this as the first condition: “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path.” (Matthew 13:19)Imagine your heart as a path that has been repeatedly trampled upon. Over time, the soil becomes compacted and hardened, like concrete, unable to be penetrated. The seed of God’s Word can only remain on the surface and is quickly taken away by the devil. St. Thomas Aquinas notes that a heart becomes "gross" or hardened when it is constantly applied to gross and earthly things. When we allow the world to trample freely over the soil of our hearts, we too become indifferent.Beyond the everyday distractions we mentioned earlier in our retreat, today let us reflect on three hidden causes of this indifference and hardness of heart.First, unconfessed sin. When we knowingly persist in actions or attitudes that are wrong, we naturally distance ourselves from God to avoid the guilt within us. Aquinas reminds us that, in order to avoid facing the truth, we deliberately “close our eyes.” We see a clear example of this willful hardness of heart in the story of Pharaoh in the Book of Exodus: even after witnessing God’s miracles firsthand, once the disaster ceased, Pharaoh “sinned yet again, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.” (Exodus 9:34) Unconfessed sin forms a thick shell over our souls, making us numb to God’s voice.Second, neglect of spiritual habits. Just as relationships grow distant without communication, if we neglect the sacraments, daily prayer, and fellowship within the faith community, our desire for God will gradually grow cold. Even the apostles fell into this! While in the boat, they were preoccupied with not having enough bread and forgot the miracle Jesus had just performed. Jesus rebuked them sharply: “Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?” (Mark 8:17–18) When we stop paying attention to the graces God gives us each day, our spiritual senses become dull.Third, inner disappointment. Sometimes, unanswered prayers or deep suffering can cause us to lose trust in God. To protect ourselves from further disappointment, we build a wall around our hearts and stop expecting God to speak to us. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church warns us that such deliberate hardness of heart, if it leads us to refuse God's mercy entirely, will ultimately result in spiritual ruin (CCC 1864).So then, how can a heart as hard as concrete be healed?The Catechism teaches: “The human heart is heavy and hardened. God must give man a new heart. Conversion is first of all a work of the grace of God.” (CCC 1432) We cannot break this rock by our own strength. Aquinas reminds us that the word of Christ is “like a hammer which breaks the rock in pieces,” and like a fire that melts us through love. Therefore, we must allow our hardened hearts to be opened under the “hammer” of His Word.Today, let us stop defending our indifference. Let us ask the Lord to take up His hammer, to chisel open our hearts of stone, to forgive our hidden sins, and to loosen this path that has been trampled again and again—so that His Word may finally take deep root in the soil of our hearts.Let us, with softened hearts, listen once more to the words of Jesus:“When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path.” (Matthew 13:19)ReflectionWhen I hear the Word of God, do I feel joyful and moved, or have I become numb and indifferent? What might be causing this condition in me?Is there any unconfessed sin or hidden compromise in my life that leads me to avoid God’s presence and keeps me from drawing near to Him?Am I like the disciples in the boat—neglecting daily spiritual habits and forgetting the miracles God has worked in my life?Today’s PrayerMerciful Father, today I come before You and acknowledge the hardness of my heart. So often, worldly anxieties, my hidden sins, and lingering disappointments have trampled my soul into a path that cannot be penetrated.Lord, I repent of my coldness and numbness toward Your voice. I cannot break this stone on my own; I ask You to grant me a new heart. May Your Word be like a

“As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.” (Matthew 13:20–21)Yesterday, we spoke about the “thorns” of worry. In addition to worry, the lure of riches and the attractions of the world are another kind of loud noise that can obscure and choke the Word of God. Jesus reminds us: “No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24) If we try to listen both to the world and to God, yet only choose what suits our own preferences, we will not be able to truly hear God—for His truth is not always pleasing to the ear. In the end, we must make a choice.Today, however, we consider another question: when we do listen, and even like what we hear, why does that initial inspiration not last? Jesus clearly describes this situation in the Parable of the Sower: “As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.” (Matthew 13:20–21)St. Thomas Aquinas explains that this “rocky ground” refers to a hardened heart into which the Word cannot penetrate deeply. A person may rejoice in God’s goodness and experience emotional highs, yet does not allow the Word to become the “primary root” of life. This is the shallow heart. Such a person readily receives the Word with outward enthusiasm, but lacks deep soil—that is, a consistent and committed daily life of discipleship. As a result, the faith remains purely emotional. Because there is no real and lasting relationship with God, when difficulties arise, faith quickly collapses.The challenge we face, then, is this: how can we make that initial joy endure? How do we break through the “rock” in our hearts so that roots may grow deeper?The answer is that we must take action. When we hear the Word of God and feel joy, that joy must move us to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus. Let us learn from a few examples in the Gospel.Recall the Samaritans in the Gospel of John, chapter 4. At first, they believed in Jesus because of the joyful testimony of the Samaritan woman at the well. But they did not remain at the level of emotional response. “When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days.” (John 4:40) St. Augustine points out that they first came to know Christ through the testimony of another, but it was only when Jesus stayed with them—through His actual presence—that their faith became firm and deeply rooted.The same spiritual hunger appears in the disciples on the road to Emmaus. As Jesus explained the Scriptures to them, their hearts were burning with joy. But when Jesus walked ahead, as if to keep going, they took action: “They urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us…’” (Luke 24:29). They longed to hear more of His teaching and to experience His presence more deeply.Likewise, when John the Baptist directed Andrew and John to follow Jesus, they asked Him a simple yet profound question: “Teacher, where are you staying?” (John 1:38) Jesus replied, “Come, and you will see.” (John 1:39)In stark contrast stands the response of the Gerasenes. After Jesus drove the demons into the herd of pigs, they were filled with fear and “begged him to leave their region” (Matthew 8:28–34). They pushed God away.Where do we stand today? Honestly, modern life is extremely busy. We leave almost no space or time for God. We may hear an inspiring homily at Sunday Mass and feel a spark of joy, but by Monday morning, we leave Jesus at the church door. We do not invite Him into our homes, our work, or our struggles.If we want to continue hearing God’s voice and remain steadfast in times of trial, we must intentionally make space for Him. We cannot remain at the level of merely “hearing” a message—we must actively invite Jesus to dwell with us. We must say to Him: Lord, stay with me!Let us once again invite Jesus to remain with us and let His Word illuminate our lives:“As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away.” (Matthew 13:20–21)ReflectionIs my faith overly dependent on emotional highs, like the “rocky ground” in the Parable of the Sower, where the word is “received with joy” immediately? What happens to my prayer life when that emotion fades?When I face difficulties or trials, do I tend to draw closer to God and His Word, or do I give up listening to Him? When I must choose between the values of the world and the sometimes demanding Word of God, which master would I follow?Like the discip

“The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” (Matthew 13:22)Over the past few days, we have spent considerable time reflecting on the problem of “pride” as a thick wall that blocks us from hearing God’s voice. Today, we turn our attention to another major obstacle. It is not a wall, but a loud and persistent inner noise. That obstacle is “worry”.If pride shuts God out, worry is a distracting static that prevents us from tuning in to God’s frequency. Jesus clearly illustrates this in the Parable of the Sower. He describes the Word of God as a seed, and some seeds fall among thorns. Jesus explains: “The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” (Matthew 13:22)Notice the word “choke.” When we are consumed by anxiety, both physically and spiritually we experience a suffocating pressure. Our minds are racing with hypothetical disasters, worries about our livelihood, and endless “what-ifs.” In such a suffocating mental environment, God’s gentle voice simply cannot enter into our hearts; it is blocked by our worldly anxieties.Christ deeply understands the weakness of our human nature. That is why, in the Sermon on the Mount, He speaks directly about this problem. He invites us to observe creation: “Look at the birds of the air… Consider the lilies of the field.” (Matthew 6:26, 28) If God feeds the birds and clothes the fragile grass of the field, then surely He will care for us even more: “Will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30) Christ invites us to place a childlike trust in the loving providence of our Heavenly Father.Our worries often arise from a lack of trust. As Pope St. John Paul II once taught beautifully: “Our age is to a great extent marked by anguish and apprehension, anxieties and fears... Trust is opposed to that which troubles you.” Likewise, Pope Leo XIV invites us at all times to place everything before the Lord, entrusting ourselves entirely to His Providence.When we worry, we are essentially trying to control a future that does not yet exist. We project our minds into tomorrow and attempt to solve tomorrow’s problems with today’s limited strength. But Jesus gives us the perfect mental framework in the Lord’s Prayer: “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) He does not teach us to pray for a year’s supply of bread. Instead, He teaches us to ask for what we need “today”.Therefore Jesus tells us: “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34) The Catechism of the Catholic Church echoes this truth, teaching that abandonment to the providence of the Father in heaven frees us from anxiety about tomorrow (CCC 2547).If your mind is completely occupied with worries about the future, you leave absolutely no room at all to listen to what God is saying to you “today”. God dwells in the “present moment”. His grace is given in the “here and now”. If we remain trapped in hypothetical fears about tomorrow, we will completely miss the words God is speaking to us today.So what is the remedy for this inner noise? Jesus tells us: “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) And St. Paul gives us a clear instruction: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)Today, let us cast all our burdens upon the Lord, trusting that He will sustain us. Let us pull up the thorns of anxiety from our hearts, so that the soil of our souls may become fertile ground—ready to listen, receive, and bear abundant fruit.Let us reflect again on the teaching of Jesus:“The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit.” (Matthew 13:22)ReflectionWhat specific “cares of the world” in my life act like thorns, choking and suffocating the Word of God?How does my worry about hypothetical future situations prevent me from being fully present with God and with others right now?Jesus calls us to “strive first for the kingdom of God.” What concrete steps can I take today to shift my focus from anxiety toward God’s Kingdom?Today’s PrayerHeavenly Father, I confess that my heart is often filled with the noise of worry and anxiety. Like thorns, my fears about tomorrow choke Your gentle voice today. Forgive my lack of faith and my failure to trust fully in Your loving providence.Help me remember the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, and to believe deeply how precious I am in Your sight. Teach me to ask only for my daily bread, trusting that Your grace is sufficient for today.Lord, I place all my burdens in Your hands. Quiet my anxious thoughts, s

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave……” (Philippians 2:5-7)Yesterday, we explored several practical ways to cultivate the habit of listening and to dismantle the walls built by our self-centeredness. Today, we need to go even deeper into our hearts.If we honestly examine ourselves, we will discover that pride not only blocks our ears from listening, but also poisons our eyes. It distorts the way we see the people and situations around us. Two of the most toxic symptoms of pride are “envy” and “being judgmental”. Envy makes us perceive another person’s success or blessings as a threat to our own worth. Judging others, on the other hand, becomes a method of pride—by lowering others in our minds, we make ourselves feel superior.Imagine for a moment the state of your soul when you are gripped by envy or busy judging someone. Your mind is crowded with comparisons, complaints, and defensive thoughts. The internal noise is absolutely deafening. In such a state, how could you possibly hear the gentle and quiet voice of God? You simply cannot. As the Scripture reminds us, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5) If we wish to tune our hearts to receive God’s voice, we must first remove the noisy interference caused by our inflated ego.To do this, Paul the Apostle tells us: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,” for Christ even “emptied himself” for our sake. But the question remains: how can we empty ourselves of the deeply rooted tendencies of envy and judging others?Within the Catholic spiritual tradition, there is a profound, and even shocking prayer called the “Litany of Humility”. For our souls, it is like undergoing a radical spiritual surgery. Let us walk through the three movements of this prayer together.The first movement addresses our “desires”. In the prayer we say: “From the desire of being esteemed, loved, honored, praised, and preferred to others... Deliver me, Jesus.”These petitions target the very root of our envy. When we insist on being the center of attention or the “best” person in the room, another person’s success naturally feels threatening. But when we ask Jesus to deliver us from these desires, we step off the exhausting treadmill of constant comparison.The second movement addresses our “fears”. We pray: “From the fear of being humiliated, despised, forgotten, ridiculed, and wronged... Deliver me, Jesus.”Why are we so quick to judge others? Often it is because we are afraid that our own weaknesses will be exposed. By judging others, we try to deflect attention from our own insecurities. If we no longer fear appearing imperfect, we will no longer feel the need to judge those around us.The third and final movement is the most radical, even overturning our usual way of thinking—but it is also the ultimate cure for pride. We do not simply ask the Lord to remove our wrong desires; we actively pray for the success of others. We pray: That others may be loved more than I; That others may be chosen and I set aside; That others may be preferred to me in everything... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.Take a deep breath and let those words sink into your heart. “That others may be chosen and I set aside.” Can you pray that for others—even for someone you dislike?When we are able to pray the “Litany of Humility” sincerely, something miraculous happens within us. The frantic urge to defend ourselves, promote ourselves, and judge others begins to fade. The deafening noise of our inflated ego falls completely silent.And in that beautiful, empty, humble stillness, our ears are finally opened. At last we are ready to listen. We are ready to hear the voice of the God who emptied Himself and became man for our sake.Let us reflect once again on what Paul the Apostle said to us:“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave……” (Philippians 2:5-7)ReflectionWhen I see someone succeed or receive praise, what is my immediate internal reaction? Do I feel joy, or a sharp sting of envy?Who is the person I judge or criticize most often in my mind? Could my judgment of them actually be a mask for my own pride or insecurity?Can I honestly pray, “That others may be chosen and I set aside”? What would need to change in me for me to genuinely desire this grace?Today’s PrayerO Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear my prayer.My soul is often overwhelmed by my own pride, envy, and the constant urge to judge others. I confess that I cling tightly to the desire for praise and try to avoid the fear of being forgotten.Lord, today I ask You to perform a radical spiritual surgery within my heart. Deliver me from the endless habit of comparing myself with others.

You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. (James 1:19)Over the past few days, we have spent considerable time reflecting on the theme of “pride”. This extended focus is not without reason. At its core, pride is essentially a “refusal to listen” to anything outside of oneself. It builds thick walls within our hearts, shutting out the voices of others, and most tragically, the voice of God. It is no wonder that prideful people often refuse to listen; in their hearts, they simply do not perceive any need to do so.As Pope Leo XIV teaches us, “The willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with someone.” If pride is a spiritual illness that isolates us, then its antidote is “humility”. Humility is a spiritual discipline that keeps us attentive and sensitive both to the world around us and to God.By now, we hope you are convinced that if we truly wish to hear God’s voice, we must come down from the mountain of our pride. But the most difficult question remains: How do we do it?To be honest, recognizing the problem is not difficult; truly changing is much harder. Ultimately, this has to do with how we relate to God and how we relate to others. James the Apostle gives us a clear instruction: “Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.” (James 1:19) Proverbs also reminds us: “If one gives answer before hearing, it is folly and shame.” (Proverbs 18:13)If we want to descend from that mountain, we must begin by cultivating “the ability to listen” in our daily lives. By intentionally forming new habits, we can gradually unlearn the unhealthy habits shaped by our self-centeredness. Let us consider two practical dimensions: listening to others, and listening to God.First, we can try the following three concrete exercises to practice listening to others.First exercise: During conversations this week, after someone finishes speaking, intentionally wait three to five seconds before responding. Very often our pride leads us into what might be called “rebuttal listening”—while the other person is still speaking, we are already busy preparing what we think is a clever response. A brief silence can break this self-centered habit.Second exercise: After the other person has finished speaking, try briefly restating what they said to confirm your understanding. This simple practice forces our minds to focus on the other person’s true meaning rather than rushing to judge or express our own opinions.Third exercise: When we feel an urge to “correct” someone or to “win” an argument, try responding gently: “Could you tell me more about that? I’d like to understand better.” This phrase reminds our ego that we are not in “expert mode,” but rather in “discovery mode.”These practices help us gradually lower our defensive walls and make space for the perspectives of others.As we learn to listen to others, we are also preparing our hearts to listen to God. Here are three spiritual exercises for the soul.First spiritual exercise: Each morning, spend five to ten minutes sitting quietly before God. As Psalms 46:10 says: “Be still, and know that I am God.” You may also borrow the words of the young Samuel: “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10) Do not rush to ask for anything. Simply place yourself quietly in God’s presence.Second spiritual exercise: Deliberately perform a good deed for someone—perhaps helping with a chore or giving a small gift—but make sure the person never knows it was you. This discipline trains our hearts to seek only God’s hidden approval, rather than depending on human applause.Third spiritual exercise: For one week, notice whenever you find yourself “polishing” a story in order to appear more intelligent, more successful, or more knowledgeable than you really are. Record these moments in a journal for reflection. Bring these subtle forms of pride before God, confess them to Him, and ask Him to uproot your desire for self-exaltation.Do not underestimate these exercises. They are not merely psychological techniques; they are profound spiritual disciplines. They open up a quiet space within our hearts where God’s voice can finally be heard above the noisy clamor of our inflated self-importance.May we gradually turn these intentional practices into lifelong habits. In this way, our ears and hearts will remain attuned to the gentle and subtle voice of our Lord.Let us now reflect once more on today’s Scripture:You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. (James 1:19)ReflectionWhen listening to others, do I often fall into the trap of “rebuttal listening,” beginning to formulate my response while the other person is still speaking?How difficult is it for me to maintain three to five seconds of silence before responding in a conversation? Why?In what areas of my life do I tend to polish stories or embellish facts in order to maintain

“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)Yesterday we reflected on the need to come down from the mountain of our pride, to walk into the valley of humility, and to place ourselves in the lowest position in relation to God.Yet as you ponder this idea in your heart, a very natural question may arise: “Do I really need to go that low? Can’t I remain somewhere in the middle? Why must I place myself so low, as if I were far from God? Aren’t we supposed to be close to Him? Aren’t we His beloved children?” It may sound like a contradiction. How could we make sense of it all?To find the answer, we must turn our eyes to Jesus. He perfectly unites supreme greatness with the deepest humility. On one occasion, Jesus completely overturned His disciples’ worldly understanding of power and greatness. He taught them: “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Gospel of Mark 10:43–45)Let us look more closely at Jesus’ life as our model. Before He began His public ministry—before He preached a single sermon or performed a single miracle, Jesus stood in the waters of the Jordan River. At His baptism, the Father’s voice came from heaven: "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." (Gospel of Mark 1:11)Pause and meditate on this for a moment. Everything Jesus did in His service and ministry flowed from the deep security of His identity as the Son of God. He did not serve in order to become a Son or to earn that identity. He served because He already was the Son.While maintaining the dignity of His divine sonship, Jesus freely chose to take on the “form of a servant” in order to accomplish God’s plan of redemption. In doing so, He perfectly fulfilled the prophecy of the “Suffering Servant” foretold in the Book of Isaiah, where God declares: "Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased.” (Isaiah 42:1)From Jesus we learn a profound spiritual truth: total obedience to God is not the loss of one’s identity; it is the fullest expression of it. As a “Servant-Son”, Jesus reveals that we submit to God not because we are fearful slaves forced to obey, but because we are beloved children who deeply love the Father and are loved by Him. Jesus uniquely united two roles: the Son—His identity—and the Servant—His mission. In doing so, He demonstrates that complete surrender and humility are actually the highest expression of being a child of God.When we truly understand our relationship with God, we see that being a child of God and being a servant are not opposites. They are two sides of the same relationship. Your identity as God’s child is the unshakable foundation of your life, while your servanthood is the beautiful expression of that love. This realization brings tremendous freedom. Complete obedience and servanthood become the natural fruit of a healthy relationship between a child and the Father. When you know that you are God’s beloved child, you no longer need to be driven by pride. You no longer need to prove your worth through your service or religious practices, nor do you need to seek approval from others. Your dignity and value have already been affirmed by the Father.However, as we strive to imitate this relationship of Servant and Child, we must humbly acknowledge a fundamental difference between Jesus and ourselves. Jesus is the eternal, only-begotten Son of God. We, on the other hand, are simply creatures. As Pope Francis has reminded us, the word “humility” comes from the Latin word “humus”, meaning “earth”. Though we are wonderful creatures, we are limited. We were made from dust, and to dust we shall return.We become children of the Father only through adoption, made possible entirely through Jesus Christ and His perfect obedience to the Father on the Cross. Therefore, we should never feel entitled. We have no grounds for pride, because our identity rests completely upon God’s unmerited grace.So today, let us humble ourselves once more. Let us listen again to the profound teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which reminds us that humility is the very foundation of our communication with God, because “man is a beggar before God” (CCC 2559). Unless we embrace this truth from the depths of our hearts, we will remain too high, too proud, and too self-sufficient ever to hear the gentle voice of God in our lives.Today, let us come down from the mountain and step into the true freedom of being both servant and child.Let us once again ponder the words that the Lord Jesus spoke to His disciples:“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)ReflectionHow does Jesus’ example of being both the supreme Son of God and the ultimate Servant change my perspective of wh

“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)Over the past few days, we have been emphasizing the vital importance of placing ourselves at the absolute lowest point in order to receive God’s voice and His wisdom. Yet, as we often discover in our spiritual journey, this is much easier said than done. It is incredibly easy to accept this concept in our minds, but it is deeply uncomfortable and profoundly hard to put it into practice in our daily lives.Pause for a moment and ask yourself: Why is it so hard?It is difficult because, deep down in our minds, we don’t truly believe we are that lowly! We don't feel we deserve to be placed at the bottom! In fact, human nature dictates that we desire to be respected. We want others' attention and recognition, and we have an insatiable thirst to be validated and valued. As Pope Francis reminded us, the proud person is one who thinks he is much more than he really is, always wanting his own merits recognized. That underlying desire makes it excruciatingly hard to empty ourselves to a point below our own perception of who we are.This struggle is especially hard for people who have been doing all the right things—those who perform the correct external religious practices and have built up a strong “religious resume.” When we do good deeds, serve in the parish, or pray daily, a subtle pride can creep in. We begin to believe that we do not need to obtain help from others in our moral and spiritual lives, not even from God! We believe we can handle life using our own strength, all by ourselves. Jesus dealt with many proud people who hid their pride very well behind religious observance.But remember the spiritual law Jesus revealed to us, which we touched upon on Day 17: “The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)This brings us to a harsh but liberating truth. Unless we really admit from the bottom of our hearts that we are weak, broken, and absolutely nothing without God; unless we realize that it is only by His grace that we are not hopeless sinners; unless we acknowledge that we are totally dependent on Him and can accomplish nothing without Him—that we cannot even survive one moment without His sustaining breath—we will never be able to let go of our status and our position. After all, if Jesus didn’t come to redeem us, we would be condemned. We need God that much! Humility is the absolute foundation of our prayer; only when we realize we are beggars before God can we freely receive His grace.At the end of the day, how deeply you know and feel your need for Him determines how willing you are to step down to the lowest point. This willingness is the master key to unlocking the treasure of God’s Wisdom. Jesus gave us a clear warning and promise: “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)Unless we are willing to walk down from the mountain of our pride, we will never be able to truly and totally know, experience, and embrace God. Why? Because as long as we remain on that mountain, everything we do, say, or act will subconsciously shut Him out. We will have no real relationship with God, let alone an intimate one. God will have no place in our lives except for the moments we desperately need help. We risk turning the Almighty Creator into an "on-demand" service provider—someone we expect to show up only when we ring the bell.Take a deep breath. Are you holding onto your spiritual resume today? Are you secretly craving the applause of others? Jesus is inviting you to walk down the mountain. Step into the valley of humility. It is only there, in the quiet lowlands of total dependence, that you will meet Jesus face to face.Now, with a humble spirit, please meditate once again on the following exhortation of Jesus:“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)ReflectionHow deeply do I truly feel my daily, desperate need for God's forgiveness and presence?Do I secretly crave the attention and validation of others more than I desire to please God? In what specific ways have I treated God as an "on-demand" service provider rather than a loving Father?Where in my life am I relying on my "spiritual resume" instead of God's grace? What specific "mountain of pride" is Jesus inviting me to walk down from today?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, I confess that it is incredibly hard for me to empty myself. I often cling to my pride, my desire for validation from others, and my self-righteous "spiritual resume."Forgive me for the times I have treated You merely as an "on-demand" service provider, rather than the Lord of my entire life.Grant me the grace to deeply realize my own weakness and brokenness. Without You, I am nothing; without Your redemption, I am without hope.Please take my hand and lead me down from the mountain of my pride. Help me to willingly remain at the lowest point, wit

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)Over the past few days, we have reflected together on repentance, a contrite heart, humility, and facing pride. Today, we go deeper into the attitude of pride. Pride not only hurts our relationships with others—it can completely block the voice of God. It convinces us that our thoughts are better than His. Consider the words of St. John the Baptist: “He must increase, and I must decrease”. (John 3:30) To truly live these words, we must uproot pride completely. Pride is called the “root of all sin” because it is often the starting point of everything that goes wrong in the human heart.Pride is the desire to be number one—above God and above others. It whispers within us: “I know best. I don’t need help. My plan is perfect.” We pursue success and attempt to control our lives through our own plans, schedules, and opinions, saying, “This is my way, and it is the best way.” Yet deep within, this is a form of rebellion—much like the devil who once desired to place himself on the same level as God. Today this pride may appear in many ways: when we ignore the advice of family members, when we skip prayer because we are “too busy,” or when we dismiss the teachings of the Church because they do not align with our personal views. Pride makes us deaf to God’s call in the ordinary events of daily life.Now listen again to God’s clear response in the Book of Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)Imagine yourself standing on the ground and looking up at the endless sky. God’s wisdom is that high above ours. Our thoughts are limited, like small paths winding across the earth—twisting and easily leading us astray. But God’s ways are vast, guiding us toward true life and peace. Pride resists this truth. It tries to climb higher by its own strength, yet ultimately it leads only to loneliness and dryness of heart.Do you remember the two images from Day 18? They fit perfectly here.First, become a beggar before God. Not proudly demanding, but humbly asking for what we cannot give ourselves: grace, wisdom, and forgiveness.Second, be like a humble earth. Valleys receive the most rain because they are low; mountains shed the rain away. If we remain on the “high ground” of pride, the Word of God—like life-giving rain—simply runs off. But when we lower ourselves, God’s Word can penetrate deeply into the soil of our hearts and bring forth new life. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I standing too high? At work? In my relationships with family? Or in my own plans?St. Francis of Assisi lived this truth in a simple yet powerful way. He renounced everything—home, wealth, and comfort—and lived by begging for food, trusting entirely in God alone. In the rule he wrote for his brothers, Francis warned them to beware of pride and self-concern, to remain humble in hardship, and to love those who hurt them. Francis was able to hear God’s voice clearly because he willingly made himself small—serving the poor and praising God through all creation. His life proclaims a powerful message: when we stop relying only on ourselves, we begin to hear God.Pride within us says, “I can handle everything my own way.” Yet God’s ways are higher—filled with surprises that heal and set us free. Let us honestly admit it: our own thoughts often lead to stress and mistakes, while God’s ways lead to joy.Now imagine yourself kneeling before God like a beggar, your heart open. Feel yourself like soft soil waiting for rain.Today, what in your life needs to “decrease”? Surrender it to God.Let us once again ponder the Word of God:“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)ReflectionWhere do I insist on my own will rather than God’s will, thereby blocking His voice?How does pride make me so self-reliant that I forget I am merely a beggar before God?In what areas of my life do I play god, deciding good and evil on my own?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, my merciful Savior, forgive my arrogance. I have dared to place my proud yet fleeting thoughts above Your eternal wisdom. I confess my rebellion in insisting that my will is best, while ignoring Your higher ways.Uproot this sinful root within my heart. Teach me to kneel before You like a beggar, pleading for Your grace; like humble earth in the valley, thirsting for the rain of Your Word.Just as St. Francis of Assisi embraced poverty in order to hear You more clearly, strip away my self-sufficiency. May You increase, and may I decrease. Renew my heart so tha

“We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)Yesterday, we encountered the joyful obedience of John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Through humility, we learned to shift our focus from ourselves to God, creating an interior space for the voice of the Lord. But how can we maintain this space? How can we allow the voice of Christ to truly echo within our hearts? Today, let us apply this joyful self-decreasing to the practice of listening.“Humility” not only creates space for God directly; it also paves the way for Him to speak to us through others.The Apostle Paul gives thanks that the Thessalonians were able to discern in his preaching the word of God. They did not treat Paul’s message as merely human opinion, but gladly received it as a word that came from God. Because of this, the word of God was able to take root and bear fruit in their hearts. This reflects the same spirit we see in John the Baptist: a willingness to shift the focus away from ourselves and toward God, and also toward what God may be saying to us through others. When we lower ourselves, God can make others channels of His grace for us.God often chooses to speak to us through the people around us. Yet how many times have we, out of pride, refused to listen to the voices of our parents, spouses, children, colleagues, or even strangers—and in doing so missed the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Envy and pride can make us spiritually deaf. Envy often springs from pride; it causes us to see others as rivals rather than as messengers of God. We must resist this attitude with goodwill and humility. If we are not humble enough to listen to the people whom God places along our life’s journey, we will inevitably miss the voice that God is speaking through them.Today, let us put into practice the spirit of John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” How can we step back so that the light of Christ may shine? First, practice silence in conversation. When someone speaks to you today, do not begin forming your rebuttal in your mind before they have finished speaking. Instead, simply stand and listen attentively. Second, embrace small or unexpected humiliations. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that accepting moderate humiliation is a powerful remedy that heals our pride and restrains the excessive swelling of our souls. Today, when you are misunderstood or overlooked, resist the urge to defend yourself immediately. Let it go, and offer this small “decrease” to God.Let us once again reflect on the insight that these words of the Apostle Paul reveal to us:“We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13)ReflectionIn conversations, do I stand and listen like St. John the Baptist, or do I compete for attention?How does pride cause me to see others as opponents, causing me to miss the voice of God that is spoken through them?What attitudes—such as envy or defensiveness—prevent me from seeing the people around me as messengers of God?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, thank You for reminding me through today’s reflection that You often speak to me through the people around me. Yet because of my self-centeredness and pride, I have missed the words You wished to say to me.Teach me to imitate the humility of St. John the Baptist. Remove my pride, and help me to hear Your voice through others.Today I am willing to practice silence in conversation, to notice Your presence in others, and to listen to what You are saying to me through them.Speak, Lord; Your servant is listening.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseTheme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

“The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30)Yesterday, we reflected on the importance of a contrite and broken heart for hearing the voice of God. We saw how true repentance acts like a hammer that shatters the hardened walls of our pride, allowing God to enter. But once those walls collapse, what comes next? When our hearts finally open up and we let go of ourselves, how should we cultivate this newly cleared space so that the voice of God may truly resound within it? If we want to attune our spiritual ears to God’s “channel,” we must adopt a most fundamental attitude: humility.To understand this posture of humility, let us look at the example of St. John the Baptist. Imagine the scene described in the Gospel of John: at that time, John the Baptist’s influence was at its height. Crowds were flocking to the wilderness to hear him preach. Yet when Jesus began His public ministry, John did not cling to his own “stage” or popularity. Instead, he displayed remarkable humility. He called himself “the friend of the bridegroom.” He even declared: “He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30)Notice John’s posture: he stands and listens. His greatest joy was not to be the centre of attention or the loudest voice in the crowd; his greatest joy was to hear the voice of the bridegroom. In order to preserve this immense joy, John reveals to us the ultimate secret for aligning ourselves with the frequency of God’s voice: I must decrease. Only when I continually make myself smaller can the bridegroom’s voice grow louder within me.But what does it mean spiritually to “decrease”? In the spiritual tradition, decreasing means becoming like the earth. Just as the earth lies beneath the heavens in order to receive the rain, the listener must place himself in the lowest position, humbling himself so that he may receive God’s teaching. The Book of Sirach exhorts us: “The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.” (Sirach 3:18) St. Bonaventure profoundly notes that humility is the gateway to wisdom, because it "teaches the nothingness of man and the greatness of God."When we turn our gaze away from self-centeredness toward the greatness of God, we create a vast space within our souls—and God immediately rushes in to fill that space! The Scriptures promise that God opens the door in a special way to those who adopt a lowly posture and personally teaches them. The Magnificat of the Blessed Virgin Mary echoes this truth: “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.” (Luke 1:52) The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that humility is the very foundation of our communication with God, because "man is a beggar before God." (CCC 2559). If we refuse to become beggars, we will never hear the voice of the King.Humility is not self-hatred; it simply means thinking of ourselves less. It is a daily choice—a decision to embrace dependence on God rather than on the endless noise, ambition, and self-sufficiency of this world.God is always speaking, but His voice is broadcast only on the frequency of humility. If our minds are filled with the echoes of our own ego, the Word will have no space to take root. Let us strive to imitate the lowly earth—humbly receptive, quiet and peaceful, always ready to bear fruit. Let us find true joy in becoming “the friend of the bridegroom,” and quietly repeat in our hearts: Lord Jesus, You must increase, and I must decrease.Let us once again meditate on the humble declaration of John the Baptist:“The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30)ReflectionIn which areas of my life do I still insist that I must increase, rather than allowing Christ to take centre stage?Do I sincerely see myself as “a beggar before God”, or do I treat prayer as a transaction in which I dictate the terms?As I seek to live as “the friend of the bridegroom,” am I willing not to be the main character, but simply to stand aside and rejoice in hearing God’s voice through the people around me?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, forgive me, for my pride and ambition often drown out Your gentle voice. Grant me a heart like that of John the Baptist—joyful and obedient. Strip away my desire to be noticed. Teach me the profound meaning of “decreasing,” so that my heart may become like the lowly earth—quiet and peaceful, humbly receptive, and longing for the living water of Your Holy Spirit.Grant me a humble heart, that I may hear Your voice speaking through the people

“The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)Yesterday, we came to understand that a repentant heart can remove the obstacles between us and God. Today, we want to explore more deeply the nature of this heart. The Psalmist tells us that God does not merely desire external sacrifices; what He truly longs for is a “broken and contrite heart.”Jesus not only commands us to repent; He is also deeply drawn to those who possess such a broken heart, and He actively praises them. To understand why this is the key to hearing God’s voice, we must look at two powerful encounters in the Gospel of Luke: the Pharisee and the tax collector, and the sinful woman in the house of Simon the Pharisee.“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” (Luke 18:13)“Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Luke 7:47)St. Thomas Aquinas explains that the word “contrite” literally means “to be crushed into pieces.” A contrite heart is one in which pride has been completely shattered by a deep awareness of one’s sinfulness and a desperate longing for God.Consider the Pharisee in the temple. He performed all the right external religious practices—fasting twice a week and giving a tenth of his income. Yet his heart had become completely hardened. He was self-righteous, contemptuous of others, and convinced that he had no need for forgiveness. His mind was filled with praise for himself, even praying, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people.” As a result, he was completely deaf to God’s voice.The tax collector, however, stood far off, beating his breast, crushed by the weight of his own unworthiness. He relied entirely on God’s mercy rather than on his own strength or religious “resume”. Jesus tells us that this man went home “justified.” God will never despise a heart that has shed its pride and stands vulnerable before Him.St. Augustine reminds us that the true humility of a penitent is like that of Abraham, who confessed: “I am but earth and ashes.” When we acknowledge that we are ashes, our ears are finally open to the Good Shepherd.This leads us to a deeper spiritual truth about our ability to listen: if we do not have an intimate, loving relationship with God, we cannot hear His voice.Think again of the sinful woman who wept at Jesus’ feet. Simon the Pharisee judged her and was disgusted by her past. He considered himself a good person; he did not feel that he owed God anything. But Jesus revealed a spiritual law: “The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”This sinful woman clearly knew the ugliness and weight of her sins. She felt shameful, yet she had great faith that Jesus could heal her. When she experienced His lavish forgiveness, an ocean of gratitude and love was unleashed from within her heart.Here lies the secret: love is the frequency on which God speaks.If we are like the Pharisee—believing we are “already good enough” and do not need forgiveness—we will not be grateful. Without gratitude, our love for God becomes distant, cold, and transactional. If your heart is not burning with love for Him, how can you recognize the gentle, quiet whisper of the Good Shepherd?The woman’s sins were forgiven, and Jesus said to her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Her contrition instantly united her heart with the heart of Christ.Today, let us examine our spiritual lives. Do we rely on our Catholic routines—such as attending Mass or saying prayers—while secretly harboring within us a judgmental, self-righteous Pharisee? Do we look down on others while forgetting how deeply we ourselves need God’s mercy?Let us ask God to give us a crushed and contrite heart. For when we realize how much we have been forgiven, we will love God passionately. And in that fervent, grateful love, the voice of God becomes clearer than ever before.Now take a moment to meditate again on the message of this Scripture:“The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)ReflectionWhen I pray, do I come before God with a list of my good deeds and complaints about others, or do I come empty-handed, relying only on His mercy? Am I willing to allow my pride to be “crushed” so that God’s voice can finally penetrate the walls of my self-reliance?Jesus said, “The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” God has forgiven me and granted me such immense grace. Have I gradually become numb, forgetting to thank Him from the depths of my heart? Is my love for God passionate, or merely transactional?Am I substituting genuine sorrow for my sins with merely going through the motions of religious rituals? Does my heart truly feel how my sins have offended a God who loves me so deeply?To

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)Yesterday, we reflected on the need for a pure and undivided heart in order to see and hear God. But when we fall, how can we restore that purity? At the very beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, He revealed to us the most important key, and said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)Why was this Jesus’ first proclamation? Because the Kingdom of God is a reality that is breaking into our world, and within it God is constantly speaking to us. Yet if we do not repent, we simply cannot hear Him. If we do not want to miss God’s voice, we must understand that repentance is not a once-and-for-all event, but a daily process of tuning our spiritual ears.In our spiritual lives, sin is like a thick wall or a disconnected wire. It blocks God’s grace and creates a great barrier and gulf of communication between us and the Good Shepherd. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that interior repentance is “a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart.” (CCC 1431) When we cling stubbornly to sin, our spiritual senses become numb. We can no longer feel God’s presence, and we become deaf to His guidance. Repentance shatters this wall. Just as clearing the silt from a river channel allows the blocked water to flow again, repentance removes the obstacles that hinder God’s grace, allowing His voice to flow freely into our souls.Repentance requires profound humility. St. Thomas Aquinas warned that people often resist the truth because of pride, yet the fruit of repentance is to know the truth and to be set free from the snare of the devil.Pride tells us that we do not need guidance, leading us to rely on our own flawed intuition instead of turning to God for direction. The humility born of repentance helps us clearly see our weakness and sinfulness. When we acknowledge that we are lost sheep, we naturally stop listening to our own inflated ego and instead lift our ears to seek the voice of the Good Shepherd.Sin is by nature self-centered; it causes us to see only ourselves and to become absorbed in our own desires, ambitions, and wounds. Repentance breaks this self-centered cycle. It frees us from selfishness and redirects our entire focus toward God and others. Yet repentance is not merely about fixating on our faults and sins; more importantly, it leads us to discover God’s love for us. When we are immersed in this love, we realize how deeply sin has separated us from God, and our longing to hear His voice is rekindled.To maintain a repentant heart, we must break the bad habits of rationalizing our sins, avoiding confession, and stubbornly relying on ourselves. Instead, we must cultivate the good habit of daily examination. St. Ignatius recommends that we pray each day, asking the Lord for an interior knowledge and hatred of our sins so that we may correct ourselves and put our lives back in order. He also strongly encourages frequent confession, noting that a soul prepared through repentance and the Sacraments not only receives help to avoid falling into sin, but also preserves the increase of grace. (Spiritual Exercises, First Week).Today, let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace of true repentance, to remove every obstacle, and to open our hearts to receive the Good News of His Kingdom.Let us once again listen to the teaching of Jesus:“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)ReflectionIn my life, is there an unconfessed sin, resentment, or rationalized bad habit that stands like a wall between God and me?In what areas of my life am I relying entirely on my own wisdom or intuition, refusing to humbly seek God’s guidance? How does this pride make me spiritually “deaf”?Do I have the habit of making a daily examination of consciousness? Am I willing to commit myself to frequent confession in order to clear the “static” from my spiritual receiver?Today’s PrayerMerciful Abba Father, I admit that my pride and stubbornness often block Your grace and drown out Your voice in my life.Grant me sincere humility to recognize my sinfulness, and give me the courage to turn to You with all my heart. Remove my selfish desires and shatter the walls of my self-reliance.May the sacrament of Your forgiveness cleanse my soul, so that I may hear the call of the Good Shepherd and follow Him with joy into Your Kingdom.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandar

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)Over the past few days of reflection, we have come to realize that we need to rely completely on the Good Shepherd. We know that the Good Shepherd is speaking and guiding—but why is it so difficult for us to hear His voice?Our minds and hearts are often cluttered, distracted, and divided. At the beginning of His public ministry, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus revealed to us the key to tuning our inner receiver: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)What does “pure in heart” mean? When we hear the word “pure,” we often think only of avoiding impure thoughts or actions. However, spiritual purity carries a deeper and broader meaning. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that purity of heart is primarily related to our “affections”—that is, what we love and desire. A pure heart is an “undivided” heart. It does not serve two masters but remains single-minded and focused. The Catechism reminds us that the Beatitudes are meant to “purify our hearts in order to teach us to love God above all things”. (CCC 1728) Purity of heart means that God is your ultimate desire; everything else is secondary.How does this purity help us connect with God? Picture a pond: if you stir up the mud at the bottom, the water becomes cloudy, and you cannot see your reflection. But when the surface is still and the sediment settles, the water becomes clear like a mirror. When our hearts are stirred by worldly ambitions, vanity, and an unceasing desire for material things, our inner vision becomes blurred. The Beatitudes compel us to make decisive choices in the face of worldly goods. When we let go of our attachment to worldly splendour and allow the “sediment” of distractions in our hearts to settle, our affections are purified. This clarity enables us to “see God” in daily life and to establish a deep and intimate relationship with Him. In such a relationship, we no longer regard God as a distant and demanding supervisor, but as the true home of our hearts.This state of purity is the basic condition for listening to God’s voice. In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola points out that the purpose of spiritual exercises is “to rid itself of all the disordered tendencies, and, after it is rid, to seek and find the Divine Will”. (Spiritual Exercises, no. 21) These “disordered tendencies” are the noises of our self-centeredness, fears, and worldly desires.Purity of heart helps us discern the Shepherd’s voice amid other competing noises. When your heart is pure, the false promises of the “hired hand” lose their appeal. In order to shut out the noise, we must ask God for the grace to recognize our sins and to turn away from worldly and vain pursuits.St. Francis can help us walk the path of purity. By appropriating nothing for themselves, Franciscans achieved “the peak of the highest poverty,” becoming “poor in things but rich in virtues”. (Later Rule, no. 6) Such radical detachment is “purity of heart” in action. Because he possessed nothing, St. Francis was free from conflicting anxieties. The noise of the world was silenced, and he was able to hear the Shepherd’s voice with perfect clarity.Let us once again meditate on this Gospel verse:“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)ReflectionsWhat is currently stirring up the “mud” in my heart? Which worldly ambitions, anxieties, or attachments are clouding the waters within me so that I cannot see God?Do I love God above all things, or am I trying to serve God while at the same time investing myself equally in worldly pursuits—such as the approval of others, a sense of achievement, pleasure, or material wealth?St. Francis warned us not to let daily work extinguish the spirit of prayer. Today, how can I fulfill my daily responsibilities without losing my inner focus on the Shepherd?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, You promised that the pure in heart shall see God. Yet I so often come before You with a divided heart—one clouded by attachment to worldly things, selfish ambitions, and fears. For this, I feel ashamed.Grant me the grace of true purity. Purify my affections, that I may love You above all things.Help me to cast off all distractions that disturb my spiritual life. Like St. Francis, give me the courage to detach myself from everything that competes with Your voice, so that my heart may be wholly turned toward You.Lord, quiet my heart, so that in this stillness I may see Your face and hear Your gentle call.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Ley

“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will listen to my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd… My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:16, 27)Yesterday, we reflected on the difference between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand. Today, we turn our attention to the nature of the sheep—that is, to our own nature—and to why we are absolutely incapable of navigating the wilderness of this world on our own.In the animal kingdom, sheep are extremely vulnerable. They have no sharp teeth or claws to fend off wolves, no camouflage to hide from predators, and they have a notoriously poor sense of direction. Once a sheep wanders off, it cannot find its way home by itself; it must be “found.” Spiritually, we are exactly the same. We cannot navigate our lives on our own, because our spiritual vision is clouded by sin, and the terrain of life is filled with hidden dangers. We need the Good Shepherd. Jesus says: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) Therefore, following Him is not merely a moral choice; it is a matter of life and death.A shepherd usually carries a staff with a curved hook at the top. What is this staff for? It is not used to beat the sheep, but to guide them and to pull them back when they wander too close to the edge of a cliff. How do we recognize His staff in our lives? God’s guidance often appears as a gentle correction. It may be a sudden pang of conscience when we are about to make a selfish decision; it may be a closed door in our career that redirects us toward a better path. We must learn to love the Shepherd’s staff, trusting that when He pulls us back from what we desire, He is actually saving us from a fall.In order to perceive His guidance more keenly, we must break the bad habit of “self-reliance.” When we insist on controlling every outcome, plan every detail without prayer, and rely solely on our own intelligence, we forget who we are and imagine ourselves to be sheep pretending to play the role of shepherd. This produces anxiety and spiritual deafness. Instead, we must cultivate the habit of “spiritual discernment.” St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches us to pay attention to the “movements” of the soul. If our thoughts and decisions bring true peace, tranquility, and rest, this is a clear sign that the good spirit—the Shepherd—is guiding us. But if our thoughts bring unrest, confusion, and rob us of our original peace, that is the voice of the enemy. Developing a daily habit of silence and practicing the “Examen”—reviewing our day together with God—can help us tune our ears to His unique frequency.St. Francis of Assisi once again becomes our model. How did St. Francis become so docile to the Shepherd’s voice? He realized that when we are preoccupied with managing wealth, reputation, and possessions, our minds become so noisy that we cannot hear the Shepherd’s voice. By letting go of worldly anxieties, St. Francis acknowledged his radical dependence on God. He became a true sheep, waiting each day for the Shepherd’s provision.Today, let us stop trying to navigate this wilderness on our own. Let us lay down the illusion of independence, fully embrace our need for Him, and listen carefully for the gentle tap of His staff.Let us meditate once again on the revelation this Gospel offers us:“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will listen to my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd… My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:16, 27)ReflectionIn which areas of my life am I still pretending to be the “shepherd,” unwilling to accept that I am a “sheep” who needs to be led?Can I recall a time when God closed a door or pulled me back from something I deeply desired? Can I now see how His “staff” was protecting me at that time?St. Francis found complete dependence on God through “simplicity”. What concrete steps can I take today to simplify my life and deepen my trust in God’s providential care?Today’s PrayerDear Lord Jesus, I confess that I often stray from the right path, relying on my limited vision and wisdom to face the many dangers of this world. Help me to embrace my dependence on You and to acknowledge You as my true Shepherd.Grant me humility, that I may sincerely accept and gladly welcome the guiding staff You use—even when it pulls me back from my selfish desires and personal ambitions. Free me from the habits and bondage of “self-reliance,” and teach me to cultivate a spirit of quiet discernment, so that I may recognize the peace You give.Through the intercession of Saint Francis, grant me the spirit of poverty, so that after clearing away the noise of the world, I may hear Your voice clearly and follow You safely into Your fold.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.Please

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11–15)Yesterday, we learned how to distinguish the gentle voice of the shepherd from the accusatory voice of the thief. Today, Jesus deepens this image by introducing a third character: the hired hand.In our modern lives, the “hired hand” symbolizes those things we rely on—things that promise us security but abandon us when the “wolves” of suffering, illness, or death attack. “Wealth” is a hired hand; it promises security, but when a loved one dies, it cannot buy peace. “Social status” is a hired hand; it offers affirmation, but when we face failure or humiliation, it disappears in an instant. Even our own “vanity” is a hired hand; it demands to be fed, yet under the crushing weight of the cross, it collapses. When the wolf comes, all these things run away. Only Jesus remains. He places Himself between us and the wolf, willingly laying down His life for us.Jesus says, “I know my own and my own know me.” (Jn 10:14) In the biblical sense, “to know” is not merely to possess information about someone; it is to enter into an intimate, covenantal relationship. It is like a child recognizing his father simply by the sound of his footsteps in the hallway. Do we know Jesus in this way? Or is He merely a historical figure to us? To know the Shepherd means to trust His will. A sheep may not understand why the shepherd leads it through the valley of the shadow of death, or why he shears its wool, but it knows the shepherd’s character. It knows that the staff is for protection, not punishment.How do we cultivate such radical trust? We can learn from St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis understood that to truly hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, he had to stop relying on the “hired hands” of this world. In the Rule of the Franciscan Order, he exhorted the brothers to “appropriate nothing for themselves… and to serve God in poverty and humility, as pilgrims and strangers in this world.” Why? Because Francis realized that the more he possessed, the more he had to defend, and the more easily he would become distracted. By becoming a “pilgrim” in this world, he became a true sheep—completely dependent on the Shepherd for daily pasture.St. Francis teaches us that when we relinquish our dependence on power and control, our spiritual hearing becomes sharper. We begin to hear the Shepherd’s voice in the wind, in the poor, and in the silence of prayer. We realize that we do not need to be “strong” or “successful” in the eyes of the world; we simply need to be part of the flock, belonging to this one sheepfold.Now, chew once more on the message this Gospel brings to you:“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11–15)ReflectionWhat are the “hired hands” in my life right now? Is it my wealth, social status, capabilities, the approval of others, or something else? Which of these am I most afraid of losing?Do I truly “know” this Good Shepherd, or do I merely “know about” Him? How much time am I willing to spend each day in silence, growing in deeper knowledge of Him, so that I may discern His voice?St. Francis gave up all his possessions in order to rely more fully on God. What unnecessary “noise” or clutter can I remove from my life so that I may hear the voice of the Good Shepherd more clearly?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, when darkness fell, You did not run away; You laid down Your life to save me from the wolves of sin and death. Forgive me, for I often trust in “hired hands” more than I trust in You.Grant me the grace of St. Francis, that I may strip away the false securities of this world, so that I may lack nothing in trust and humility.Open my ears, that I may know Your voice intimately. Let me rest in Your sheepfold, knowing that I belong to You, and that no one can snatch me from Your hand.Lord, I am willing to accept Your shepherding, and even more, to delight in being nourished by You.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.Please kindly pray for them. May God protect them and sustain their

Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold through the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a robber. The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. They will not follow a stranger but will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers. Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved; he will go in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:1–5, 7–10)In the wilderness, we learned to reject the devil’s temptations; now, we must learn to discern the voice of God. Did you know that sheep are nearsighted? They cannot see far into the distance and cannot rely on sight to find their way. Their survival depends on their hearing. They must “recognize” the shepherd’s voice.This is a portrait of our relationship with God. In this age of visual overload, we are inundated every day by screens, advertisements, and data. Our “spiritual vision” is often blurred. We cannot see the future clearly; we cannot see the road ahead. At such times, if we insist on “seeing clearly” before we are willing to act, we easily fall into anxiety. Jesus tells us: do not try to see clearly; try to “hear clearly.” If we do not want the Lord’s word to fall to the ground, we must first admit: I need guidance, and the navigation system is the “Shepherd’s Voice”.Jesus says, “He calls his own sheep by name”. (John 10:3) This is the key criterion for distinguishing the Divine Voice from worldly noise. Pope Benedict XVI once said that this kind of “knowing” is not intellectual but of the heart—it is a relationship of loving and being loved.Listen closely. How does the voice of the world—that “thief”—call you? It does not call your name; it calls your “labels.” It shouts: “Consumer! Loser! Not good enough!” The thief’s voice makes you feel being compared and used.But the voice of the Good Shepherd is different. When God speaks, He calls forth your true identity, and the name you received at Baptism. Even when He corrects you, His voice carries dignity. He says, “My child, my beloved.”When you hear a voice that makes you feel inferior, panicked, or worthless, stop for a moment. That is not the Shepherd; that is the thief. That is a stranger, and you should, like the sheep, “run away from him.” (John 10:5)Jesus also says, “I am the gate”. (John 10:9) In daily life, we often allow too many things to enter directly into the pasture of our hearts: unfiltered news, other people’s negative emotions, fears about the future. These “thieves” climb over the wall with the purpose of “stealing” your joy, “killing” your hope, and “destroying” your peace.When a thought arises, ask it: “Did you come through Jesus?” If the thought is filled with envy, hatred, or despair, it is a robber who climbed over the wall. Drive it out! Only those voices that pass through Jesus—those that bring truth, mercy, and life—should be allowed to enter your heart.Finally, Jesus promises to give us “life in abundance.” (John 10:10) This is not material prosperity but relational wealth. True abundance is this: even in the valley of death, you feel secure because you recognize the footsteps of the One who leads you.The Shepherd is walking ahead, and He is calling your name. Do you hear Him?Let us once again meditate on this verse:Jesus said, “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)ReflectionDo you habitually define yourself by worldly labels—for example: I am not successful enough, I am too fat, I am too old? Try to be still in prayer and imagine Jesus looking into your eyes. How would He call your name?Jesus says the thief comes to “steal and slaughter and destroy.” In your life right now, what is “stealing” the time you spend with your family? What is “killing” your hope for the future? Identify this “thief.”Have you recently allowed too many “strangers”—such as harmful information or thoughts—to enter your mind freely? What concrete steps can you take to set boundaries, for example: not checking your phone before bed, refusing to engage in gossip, and so on?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, my loving Good Shepherd, thank You for helping me realize in today’s reflection that the voices of the world are so noisy, like thieves trying to steal my peace and make me forget who I am. Forgive me, for I have often followed the temptations of strangers while turning a deaf ear to Your call.Today, grant me the “ears of a sheep.” Teach me to discern Your voice—the one that does not accuse

Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him. (Matthew 4:11)Why didn't the angels come on the first day of Jesus' hunger? Why didn't they show up when He stood on the pinnacle of the temple? St. Thomas Aquinas explains that the angels waited until the temptation was over so that Jesus could defeat the devil as a man. If the angels had intervened too early, the victory would not have belonged to His humanity.We often mistake "God's silence" for "God's absence." Consequently, we panic and rush to listen to the devil's suggestions, like in Jesus’ case, turning stones to bread. But in reality, God's silence is a “voice of trust”—He trusts that you, relying on His Word, can win this battle. If we compromise with temptation because we cannot endure the silence, we miss the most precious tender and loving words from the Father after the victory.God's voice does not always shout in the storm but comes gently through "angels' ministry" after we have rejected the devil's noise. So, not missing God's voice requires us to learn to resist temptations and to persist in the struggle until Divine Consolation arrives, rather than grabbing at worldly comforts in panic.Please note the difference between God’s voice and the voice of the tempter. The voice of temptation is always loud and compulsive, but the voice of God is ministerial and restorative.Temptation can be like an intense battle. When the battle is over, we don't need more noise; we need a "recovery room." God's voice is often heard in "rest." Only when we allow ourselves to be ministered to by God can we hear His commission for our next step.However, we are conditioned by modern culture to be unable to withstand boredom, or to be still in God’s presence.We are afraid of loneliness, and yet, we are facing a "loneliness epidemic" today. Why are we so lonely? Because we try to fill our spiritual hunger with "digital connection." It temporarily halts hunger but cannot nourish life. We are used to scrolling and seeking “likes” to chase away loneliness, but the result is deeper anxiety and depression.What we need to learn is that when we feel lonely, we should view it as a signal. Do not immediately turn to our phones or other forms of entertainment. Instead, try to stay in that void and say to God, "I wait for You." Our spiritual senses become sharper if we reject these noises. Only then can we perceive the "angels" God sends—perhaps a moving verse of Scripture, or a greeting from a friend.Not missing God's voice requires recognizing that relief comes from obedience, not compromise. The devil promises instant relief or gratification, but God promises perfect restoration and lasting satisfaction.The voice of God is missed when we settle for the devil's fast food instead of waiting for the banquet of angels.Let us listen to this Gospel passage once again:Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him. (Matthew 4:11)ReflectionHave you ever felt that God’s silence means He is ignoring you or not answering your prayer? Are you willing to wait for God’s response and deliverance?Recall a time when you faced difficulty and God did not respond immediately but made you wait. Do you now understand the reason for His silence or delayed response at that time?After experiencing the ministry of angels, to whom is God calling you to be an “angel”? Who is in the desert today, needing your service?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, thank You for showing me that true nourishment is not found in bread made from stones, but in the peace that comes after obeying the Father’s will.Lord, I confess that I often listen to the noise of the world out of fear of loneliness and miss Your gentle voice. Forgive me for seeking immediate worldly satisfaction. In the desert of my life, when I feel abandoned, grant me the strength to persevere to the end.Please send Your angels to minister to me, so that my soul may be truly satisfied. Please also send me to serve the brothers and sisters who are struggling in loneliness and despair, so that through me, they may hear the voice of Your love.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseTheme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeu

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” (Matthew 4:8-10)This is a battle about “focus.” The devil brought Jesus up to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. The scene was enticing, much like the “perfect lives” we see on social media—travel, fine food, wealth. The devil’s proposal was simple: “As long as you follow my instructions, adjust your priorities slightly, compromise your moral bottom line just a little, and submit to me in this small matter, all of these will be yours.”Paragraph 2113 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church warns us that idolatry does not refer only to the worship of false gods. The Catechism explains: “Idolatry consists in divinizing what is not God. Man commits idolatry whenever he honors and reveres a creature in place of God, whether this be gods or demons, power, pleasure, race, ancestors, the state, money, etc.”In modern society, “hustle culture” has become our new religion. We sacrifice sleep, family, and even health on the altar of “success.” We may idolize celebrities, admire certain lifestyles, or submit ourselves to the pursuit of "likes" on social media. We believe these things can give us security and value. Yet this is ultimately a lie: these idols can neither bring us true and lasting joy and peace, nor offer more than fleeting and superficial satisfaction. More seriously, “idolatry rejects the unique Lordship of God; it is therefore incompatible with communion with God.” (CCC 2113)Jesus rebuked the devil by quoting Scripture: “Away with you, Satan! Serve only God.” This is not bondage; it is freedom. When we worship God, we restore all things to their proper order. St. Francis of Assisi is one of the best examples. He renounced his father’s wealth and worldly honour, choosing “poverty” instead. The world considered him mad, yet he gained insurmountable freedom, being able to hear the birds sing and seeing God’s presence in all creation. “Worship” is not about giving something to God, for He lacks nothing; it is about recalibrating our vision and perspective. When God becomes greater in our eyes, the noise of temptation and the comparisons that make us anxious fade into insignificance. Only by overturning the idols in our hearts can our ears once again hear the one true and authentic Voice.Let us once again meditate on the message this Gospel passage reveals to us:Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” (Matthew 4:8-10)ReflectionIn your life, are there visible or invisible idols that overshadow your reverence for God—things into which you pour more of your time and energy, even replacing God’s rightful top priority in your life?How has your pursuit of these idols muffled God’s voice within you?Have you ever compromised your moral principles or values in order to chase after these idols?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, You beheld the glory and riches of the world and turned away, for You knew the greater glory of the Father. Open my eyes, that I may see that the idols I pursue are but illusions.Help me renounce the worship of money, approval, success, and every other idol. Tear down the altars I have built for these false gods. Today, I choose to kneel before You alone.I desire to withdraw from the noise and distractions of this world, so that my soul may find its true resting place in You.O God, You are my one and only God; You alone I serve.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseTheme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:5-7)The trap into which fervent believers most easily fall is “spiritual pride”. The devil quoted Psalm 91 and suggested that Jesus create a crisis to force God to intervene. This is equivalent to saying to God: “God, if You love me, then You must save me at the time I specify and in the way I prescribe.”We not only live in an age that pursues “instant gratification,” but also in an era of “same-day delivery.” We are accustomed to having absolute control over our lives—tracking packages, forecasting the weather, planning retirement. When we face sudden and uncontrollable challenges in life, such as a cancer diagnosis, receiving a layoff notice, or a child’s rebellion, we panic. We try to control God in the same way: “I prayed a Novena, so You should heal this illness.” Paragraph 2119 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly states that “tempting God” consists in putting God’s goodness or omnipotence to the test in one’s words or actions. In reality, this is a form of doubt; we refuse to believe God loves us unless He proves it with a miracle.Yesterday we reflected on how the devil challenges and attacks our identity, leading us to doubt our worth and driving us to prove our value through performance in order to affirm our identity. God, however, affirms our identity and thereby grants us our intrinsic worth.Now the devil uses a similar tactic, urging us to question God and to command Him to intervene or perform miracles according to our demands, in order to confirm that He loves us and to validate our relationship with Him. This is what it means to put God to the test.“Testing” demands that God prove Himself; “Trusting” believes even without evidence. Imagine a child standing at a height while his father opens his arms and says, “Jump down. I will catch you.” That is trust. But if the child says, “Dad, I’m going to close my eyes and jump now—if you love me, you must catch me!” that is testing God.Such behavior in effect demands that God obey us rather than we obey Him, forcing Him to carry out our will. Our pride makes us think that our wisdom surpasses God’s, that we know and grasp the best possible solution to every situation, and that God must respond immediately according to our terms. In doing so, we set ourselves up as the arbiters of what is good and bad, and the standard of right and wrong.Jesus refused to jump. He chose the harder path: to walk down from the temple step by step, and ultimately to walk toward Calvary. In this Jubilee Year of St. Francis, we learn from St. Francis the virtue of obedience—not asking God to change circumstances to suit us, but asking God to change our hearts to conform to His will.When you stop trying to control the outcome, you can begin to hear God’s guidance in the process.Let us once again meditate on what this Gospel passage reveals to us:Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:5-7)ReflectionHave you ever treated prayer as a transaction? In what ways have you tried to “instruct” God to intervene or help according to your will?Do you have sufficient trust in God? Do you believe that in every circumstance He knows what is best for you and will care for your needs?If God’s response to your present prayer is “wait” or “no,” can you still trust in His goodness?Today’s PrayerMerciful Father, in today’s reflection I have examined how I view my relationship with You. Forgive me for trying to be the director of my own life.I recognize the hidden pride within me that has placed my will above Yours and failed to offer You the trust and obedience that I owe You. Help me to lay down my own timetable and expectations, to trust You wholeheartedly, and to believe deeply that in every circumstance You will make the best arrangement for me.I repent for the moments when I have tested You. From now on, I desire to walk on the path You have prepared for me and to submit to Your holy will, even if it requires patient waiting.Holy Spirit, help me to say sincerely to the Father: “May Your will be done in my life.”--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” team, including FLL staff and volunteers.Please kindly pray for them. May God protect

The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” (Matthew 4:3)When Jesus was baptized, the Father’s voice declared: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) But forty days later, the tempter’s very first words attack that declaration: “If you are the Son of God…” Notice the subtle twist. The devil attempts to make Jesus doubt the Father’s word and tempts Him to prove Himself through “performance” — by turning stones into bread.When we try to listen to God, we often hear similar noises: “If you were truly loved, why are you suffering?” “If you were really a good Christian, why haven’t your prayers been answered?” These voices try to define us by achievement, wealth, or the approval of others.This is the battlefield we face every day. Psychologists note that low self-esteem is spreading like an epidemic, especially among high achievers and young people. Social media intensifies this comparison: we see others’ curated lives and begin to question our own worth. The devil’s logic is this: “If you were worthy, you should be richer, more successful, healthier.” He tries to shift our identity from “Being” to “Doing”.The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1213 reminds us that through Baptism we become “children of God.” This is an indelible spiritual mark. (CCC 1272) Whether you are successful or failing today, whether you have “turned stones into bread” or are still hungry, your identity does not change. Jesus refused to prove Himself by performing a miracle because He did not need to prove who He was. He knew exactly who He was.When we attempt to listen to God’s voice, the greatest interference often comes from doubts about “who I am.” The devil tries to push us to prove our worth through performance, but God’s voice has already affirmed us before we act. Our value lies not in our productivity, but in who we are.Therefore, if we want to hear God’s voice, we must return to the grace of our Baptism. God’s voice is always affirming and life-giving: “You are my beloved Son.” The tempter’s voice, however, is always conditional: “If you accomplish this, then you will have identity and worth…”To hear God, we must first lower the volume of self-doubt. We do not need to earn God’s love through busyness, achievement, or others’ approval. The devil says, “Do something to prove yourself!” The Father says, “No matter what, you are loved.”Today, when that voice questioning your identity appears, simply answer it with the Father’s declaration spoken over you in Baptism. You no longer need to prove anything. You are God’s beloved child.Now let us listen again to this Gospel passage:The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” (Matthew 4:3)ReflectionHow do you measure your worth in your own mind? Do you tend to affirm or deny yourself based on your abilities and performance?In which areas of your life — work, family, church ministry, or elsewhere — do you feel the greatest pressure to “prove” your ability and value?If one day you were to lose your ability to work, would you still believe that you are God’s beloved child? Do you think God’s love and esteem for you are proportional to your contributions?Today’s PrayerMerciful Abba Father, in my mind I know that You are my Father and I am Your child. Yet deep in my heart, and in the way I act, I notice that I still doubt this identity. When I am tempted and enticed, my confidence is shaken.Please help me quiet the voices that tell me I must perform in order to be loved. I renounce the impulse to turn stones into bread to prove my worth. I choose to listen only to Your voice — the voice that called my name at my Baptism. I reaffirm that You are my Father and I am Your child. Your love and affirmation for me are without condition.Today, may this truth take firm root in my heart, so that I will no longer be shaken by the enemy’s lies. I am Yours, and that is all that matters.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseTheme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

“He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)“Afterwards he was hungry.” This simple line of Scripture reveals the true humanity of Jesus. He was not incapable of feeling pain; rather, He chose not to let pain govern His decisions and actions.Why are we afraid of hunger? Because hunger reminds us that we are not self-sufficient. We are fragile, and we must receive external nourishment to survive. This is the starting point of listening to God—acknowledging, “I need God.” When we numb this sensation with food or entertainment, it is like turning off the receiver that picks up God’s signal. Fasting is effectively tuning the frequency. Fasting prompts us, as we experience physical lack, to redirect that craving toward God and say: “Lord, my need for You is as real as my need for food right now.”Neuroscience tells us that our brains are naturally wired to seek reward. However, modern technology and high-calorie foods have “hijacked” this system. Studies show that social media notifications trigger the same brain chemistry as gambling, creating cycles of anxiety and addiction. We become like laboratory mice governed by conditioned reflexes: when bored, we scroll; when stressed, we reach for sweets.On this seventh day of the retreat, let us practice what may be called “sacred emptiness.” Do not rush to fill the discomfort. This sense of hunger is the radar of your soul, scanning for wavelengths that resonate with God. As Pope Saint John Paul II taught us, through self-denial we create space for Christ’s love to fill us. If you do not feel hungry, you may find it difficult to taste the sweetness of God’s words.The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2015, teaches us: “There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle.” Fasting is not merely a traditional discipline; it is an act of reclaiming sovereignty. When we refuse the desires of the flesh, we strengthen the muscles of the soul. Just as athletes build physical strength through resistance training, Christians sharpen their spiritual hearing by refusing instant gratification.If we cannot resist even a single cookie, how can we resist the temptation of sin? If we cannot go one hour without checking our phones, how can we focus on God’s presence? Fasting clears our spiritual space. When the stomach feels empty, it becomes a physical reminder that we are not self-sufficient. This emptiness is a sacred space, which Pope Francis describes as “an awareness of our dependence on God and our neighbours.” Do not rush to fill the hunger. Let it become a prayer: “Lord, I desire You more than the food of this world.”Only an empty vessel can be filled.Let us listen once again, attentively, to the word of the Lord:“He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)ReflectionDo you subconsciously feel that most of the time you do not need God, and therefore try to avoid entering a state of need? For example, avoiding hunger, boredom, loneliness, or any form of physical or emotional lack. Why might this be so?Are the muscles of your soul weak? Do you often rely on instant gratification to prevent yourself from entering a state of emptiness or need? In prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to overcome this weakness.How can you fast today in order to create space to listen to God? For example, fasting from noise, fasting from social media, fasting from expressing your opinions, or fasting from certain foods.Today’s PrayerLord Jesus, You willingly endured hunger to show me the path to the Father. You understand the weakness of my flesh. I confess that I often use worldly comforts to numb my soul. Help me break free from the chains of my many attachments and addictions, big and small.Today, I choose to fast—not only from food, but from the pursuit of instant gratification. I offer You my small sacrifice. When my body longs for food or comfort, may my soul cry out even more strongly for Your presence.I choose to use this bodily emptiness to awaken my spiritual hearing. I long for You with all my heart, for I know that You alone can truly satisfy me.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseTheme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aak

“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him.” (Mark 1:12-13)Scripture uses a very strong verb here: “drove.” Jesus’ entry into the wilderness was not accidental; it was the deliberate initiative of the Holy Spirit. Why? Paragraphs 538 and 539 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that Jesus is the New Adam. In the wilderness, He faced three temptations from the devil—temptations that parallel those experienced by Adam in the Garden and by the Israelites in the desert. But this time, Jesus, the New Adam, responded with complete obedience to the will of the Father and repelled the attacks of the devil.People living in the modern world have become accustomed to being surrounded by noise. One could even say we are “addicted to noise.” We face an unprecedented kind of “spiritual hearing impairment.” Statistics show that teenagers today spend nearly five hours a day on social media, and adults are not far behind. We fear silence because silence forces us to confront the emptiness within and the wounds that remain unhealed. Psychologists have found in experiments that many people would rather receive electric shocks than sit alone in a quiet room and think for fifteen minutes.Our lives are already busy, yet in the little free time we have left, we instinctively reach for social media, endless videos, news, and entertainment to fill every spare moment. It is as if we have constructed a thick “protective shield,” blocking out the gentle, subtle voice of God.Therefore, when God permits difficulties to arise in our lives—when the Holy Spirit “pushes” us into the wilderness of our own lives—such as the anxiety of unemployment, the suffering and isolation of illness, the breakdown of relationships, or spiritual dryness—these are not punishments. Rather, they are opportunities for us to hear the voice that comfort and distraction have long concealed. They are opportunities for purification and spiritual “detox.”God lowers the volume of the world so that we are forced to face our true selves. This is an essential path to healing. Pope Saint John Paul II reminded the faithful that in this noisy world, we must “rediscover the value of silence,” because silence is the frequency on which God speaks.In the wilderness, where there seems to be no escape, there are no social media distractions—only two voices remain: the lies of the tempter and the truth of the Father. In such an environment, we learn to discern more clearly.In the book of the prophet Hosea, chapter 2, verse 14, God says: “I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.” This is the purpose of the wilderness: not destruction, but intimate dialogue.In this Special Jubilee of Saint Francis of Assisi, let us learn from Saint Francis. He did not fear material or spiritual poverty but embraced it as an opportunity to draw closer to Christ. Today, do not rush to escape your wilderness. Instead, remain there, and ask the Holy Spirit: “You have brought me here—what do You want to say to me?”Let us listen once more to the Word of God:“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to him.” (Mark 1:12-13)ReflectionExamine your “noise intake.” How much time each day do you spend in complete silence? Do you tend to avoid silence deliberately? Why?When you encounter “wilderness moments” in your life—such as illness, unemployment, or family difficulties—do you see them as punishment, or as opportunities for purification and preparation? What noise might the Holy Spirit be trying to remove from your life?Now, enter into silence, and listen to what the Father desires to say to your heart at this very moment.Today’s PrayerHoly Spirit, You drove Jesus into the wilderness. Help me to follow Your guidance with the same obedience. I confess that I have been avoiding silence, afraid of what I might hear or feel—afraid of truths I may not want to accept. Thank You for the “wilderness” You have allowed in my life, to remove my distractions and to reshape my heart.Help me not to see my present struggles as abandonment, but to trust that You are with me and to surrender fully to Your guidance.Open my ears, so that I may hear the gentle words the Father desires to speak to my heart in this silence.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘One does not live by bread alone, but also by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)After fasting in the wilderness for forty days and becoming hungry, Jesus faced the temptation of the devil. He did not yield to the needs of the flesh, but proclaimed that the Word of God is the true food.You may think, “How can this be? This is not something human beings can do. Jesus, being God, could certainly do it—but I am not! Can one really be filled by the Word alone? Can one live without bread and food?” Such thoughts are understandable. However, Jesus was not denying the importance of food for our bodies. Rather, He wanted us to understand that both our body and our soul have their own needs, and material things alone cannot nourish the soul. The Word of God is the true nourishment that sustains spiritual life and guides our inner growth.We often satisfy our hunger with worldly food—endless entertainment, the sense of achievement gained through work, personal reputation, or the pleasures of material comforts and fine food—yet we neglect the hunger of the soul. As a result, our hearts grow weary and burdened, unable to discern God’s voice, because we have filled ourselves with noise and emptiness.Let us examine our daily intake: after waking up, do you reach for your phone to read the latest updates, or do you meditate on a passage of Scripture? Jesus teaches us that we do not live by food alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. The Word of God is like manna, freshly given each day. It empowers us to overcome temptation, heals our wounds, and gives us direction.This, then, becomes a matter of priorities. Recall how, on the second day of the retreat, we reflected on how the Lord Jesus placed His relationship with the Father first, deliberately setting aside the best time of day to be alone in communion with Him. In today’s Gospel, through His response to the devil’s temptation, Jesus teaches us not to place material pursuits above spiritual ones. When we focus excessively on material satisfaction, we often neglect the hunger of our soul. Only by seeking the Father’s will and putting it into action can our lives be truly fulfilled. We must never forget: the satisfaction of the body and material things can never compare with the richness of the soul.True security in life does not lie in worldly wealth or possessions, but in complete trust in God’s love and promises. We can place our full confidence in the Father. When we seek first the Kingdom of God and the Father’s will with all our heart, our bodily needs and all other things will be given to us as well.Lent is not about starving ourselves, but about changing the source of our spiritual nourishment. When we make the Word of God our primary food, our ears become attuned to the Lord’s frequency. We are able to receive His voice and will not miss His call.Let us once again savour these words of the Lord Jesus:Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘One does not live by bread alone, but also by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)ReflectionWhat worldly food are you pursuing—such as online information, entertainment, or fine food—that causes you to neglect the needs of your soul and leaves your soul still hungry?How much time do you spend satisfying your physical and material needs, and how much time do you spend nourishing your soul? What changes can you make today to place listening to God’s Word first?Recall a time of hardship in your life. How did the Lord’s Word nourish you then? During this Lenten season, how can you intentionally seek this nourishment?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus Christ, thank You for helping me realize through today’s reflection that my life has fallen out of balance. I have spent too much time focusing on physical and superficial satisfaction, while neglecting the needs of my heart and soul, leaving my spirit dry and hungry. Most importantly, I have lacked time alone with You, and I have failed to listen to Your voice and Your heart.Holy Spirit, help me to reorder the priorities of my life. May Your Word become my primary nourishment. Help me to understand and profess that my true security does not lie in worldly wealth or possessions, but in my complete trust in the love and promises of the Father.Heavenly Father, I place my trust in You with all my heart, and in You I take refuge.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan

"Oh, that today you would hear his voice: Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on the day of Massah in the desert. There your ancestors tested me; they tried me though they had seen my works." (Psalm 95:7–9)Over these days of retreat, we have begun to explore the foundations of listening. One essential prerequisite is our desire for an intimate relationship with God. Yesterday’s reflections reminded us that the willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with another person. If we do not yearn for intimacy, why would we invest the time and effort needed for genuine listening and communication?Out of love, God created us through His Word. And out of the same love, He longs to nourish us with His Word. Consider the “manna” given to the Israelites in the desert: it was fresh each day, meant to be consumed that very day—never meant to be stored up for the next day. God’s faithful love has never changed; He has never been stingy in giving us what we need. Just as He supplied manna daily for the Israelites, He now supplies for our needs. Since manna symbolizes God’s Word, we can be confident that if we listen attentively, we will receive the message God offers us anew each day.But to listen to God’s Word, we need the right disposition and some practical skills. This retreat has invited us to cultivate desire, discipline, set-apart time, a dedicated space, and above all, trust in God. This list may seem demanding at first, but with practice it becomes more natural, helping us connect with God more easily.You may wonder: Where do I begin? And how should I start? The answer is: Today.Not yesterday, and not tomorrow. To nurture a healthy spiritual life, we must live in the present moment. The Psalmist gives us a warning: the greatest obstacle to hearing God is often not His silence, but our hardened hearts. During their forty years in the desert, the Israelites witnessed God’s mighty deeds—He parted the Red Sea, He sent manna from heaven—yet they still tested Him out of fear and unbelief.What causes our hearts to harden? Often it is fear, past disappointments, or the accumulated habit of saying “no” to God. Perhaps we fear that God will ask us to surrender something we cherish. Perhaps we have been hurt before and have built a protective wall that lets no one in—not even God. Like the Israelites at Massah, we demand that God prove Himself first before we trust Him. How this must grieve the One who has already given us everything!To soften our hearts, we must believe that God’s will is for our good. Lent is a season for breaking open the hardened ground of our hearts, so that the seed of God’s Word can take root. The manna in the wilderness was only enough for each day; in the same way, God’s grace is given for the needs of today. We do not need to be anxious about the future or worry about tomorrow’s lack—God Himself will provide!Let us again listen attentively to the Word of God:"Oh, that today you would hear his voice: Do not harden your hearts as at Meribah, as on the day of Massah in the desert. There your ancestors tested me; they tried me though they had seen my works." (Psalm 95:7–9)ReflectionAre there areas in your life where you resist God or where your heart has grown hard toward Him? Are you waiting for Him to “prove” something before you are willing to try and obey?Now, please take time to examine the reasons behind your distrust or hardness of heart toward God.Are you afraid that God might say something you do not want to hear? If so, what is the root of that fear?Today’s PrayerMerciful Abba Father, I offer my heart to You.Remove the heart of stone within me and give me a heart of flesh. Take away my fear of Your voice.I choose to believe that Your plans for me are plans of peace and not disaster—plans that give me a future and a hope.I do not want to wait until tomorrow to listen.Today, I refuse to let my heart be hardened.Today, I choose to trust You. I open my heart to You.Come in, Lord. Transform me.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseTheme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12)We often expect God to speak in "thunderbolts"—booming voices, clear signs, or miraculous solutions. But the experience of Elijah teaches us that God’s voice is often a “still small voice” or a "gentle whisper." Pope Francis once reminded us that, "Lent is a favorable time to make room for the Word of God. It is the time to switch off the television and open the Bible. It is the time to separate from mobile phones and connect to the Gospel."In his message for Lent 2026, Pope Leo XIV highlighted two aspects: listening and fasting, and emphasized that Lent is a time of conversion. The Pope said, “Every path towards conversion begins by allowing the word of God to touch our hearts and welcoming it with a docile spirit. This year, I would first like to consider the importance of making room for the word through listening. The willingness to listen is the first way we demonstrate our desire to enter into relationship with someone.”Why does God whisper? Because He wants to be close. You don’t need to be close to someone shouting, but you must lean in to hear a whisper. This whisper is for intimacy—because only those close by can hear it. In our digital age, we are “polluted” and overwhelmed by too many messages; we struggle to distinguish the Lord's voice from the voice of the ego or the world. Only silence can cure this. As Pope Francis once said, Lent is a time for a "healthy ecology of the heart," cleansing us of useless chatter and gossip. By learning to clear away the pollution of gossip and useless words, we can better discern God's voice in the quietness we often ignore.God is not usually in the drama of the "earthquake" of our emotions. He is in the peace that follows. To hear Him, we must practice this "environmental protection of the heart." In this year’s Special Jubilee of Saint Francis, this whisper calls us to nature's simplicity, like St. Francis, to hear God not just in church but in the quiet of creation. When we stop making noise, we can start receiving His signal.Let us again listen attentively to the Word of God:And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12)ReflectionDo you tend to look for God only in big events or crises? How can you look for Him in the ordinary, quiet moments today?What "useless words" or gossip can you fast from today to clear your hearing?When you are silent, what is the first feeling that comes up? Can you invite God into that feeling instead of running from it?Today’s PrayerLord, quiet my soul. I am tired of the wind, the earthquake, and the fire of my own anxieties. Help me to wait for Your gentle whisper. Teach me to value the "light breeze" of Your presence over the loud demands of the world. Lord, cleanse my lips and my ears, so that I may hear You. Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening…--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseTheme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)If even Jesus, the Son of God, needed time alone with the Father, how much more do we? We live in an age filled with noise — endless notifications, constant messages, and the habit of scrolling without rest. In a world so loud and crowded, as we are faced with information overload, it becomes difficult to hear the gentle whisper of God. And yet, we are also afraid of silence, because silence forces us to face ourselves. Pope Benedict XVI once reminded us that Lent is like a “long spiritual retreat,” meant to help us re-enter ourselves and restore the impetus of our evangelical life.In today’s Gospel, Jesus shows us the way. He places His relationship with the Father above everything else. He deliberately sets aside the best time of the day to be alone in prayer, conversing with His Father. While it is still dark, He rises and goes to a deserted place to pray. This tells us that listening to God requires discipline. But in our busy world, we often pray only with whatever time is left over, and in doing so, we sacrifice both the time and the depth of prayer.Sometimes prayer feels like a one-way monologue, as if God were silent. But the prophet Isaiah reminds us: God is the One who takes the initiative. He speaks, and His word always accomplishes its purpose. The problem is never whether God is speaking — the real question is whether our hearts are like fertile soil ready to receive the rain. So often, our hearts become hard and dry through anxiety, distraction, and habitual indifference. The rain falls, but it cannot soak in, it simply runs off. Lent is the season to loosen the soil, to break free from unhealthy patterns, so that God’s Word can finally sink deep into our hearts.To keep God’s Word from returning empty, we must first turn down the volume of the world and step away from the channels that fill us with noise and restlessness. This is not an escape from reality. It is a search for the true channel that sustains us. Today, let us find our own “wilderness” — even if it is only ten intentional minutes without our phone, or a quiet corner in our home. This intentional silence echoes the spirit of poverty proclaimed in this year’s Special Jubilee of Saint Francis: a willingness to let go of our craving for information and entertainment, so that we may be satisfied with God alone.God longs for a personal relationship with you. He has a unique word for your life, a word that will never return to Him empty. Just as the Israelites received fresh manna each day in the desert, God’s Word is also given to us anew each day. Let us simply open our hands and our hearts to receive it, trusting that God’s Word has the power to fulfill His plan in your life.Let us listen to the Word of God once more:Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. (Mark 1:35)ReflectionWhat is the greatest source of “noise” in your life right now? How does it prevent you from hearing God’s voice?Jesus rose before dawn and went off to a deserted place, placing His relationship with the Father above all His ministry. Where can you go today to be alone with God?Are you willing to let go of your craving for information and entertainment, and be satisfied with God’s presence alone? Would you be willing to spend ten minutes each morning in silence with Him? What might stop you from doing so?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus Christ, thank You for reminding me today of the importance of being with the Father in silence, and teaching me to offer Him my best, just as He has given His best to me.Holy Spirit, lead me into the silent wilderness. Help me disconnect from the noise of the world so that I may reconnect with the Gospel of Christ. Grant me the discipline to create space today — not for loneliness, but for communion with the Father. Teach me to understand that in silence I am not empty or alone, but filled by You. Help me to enjoy and cherish this sacred “date” with You my Lord in the wilderness.--------------------------------------------------The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseTheme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)This Bible passage should give us a powerful insight into God’s heart and His will.The Word itself possesses infinite power. The universe, all creation, and humanity were brought into being through the Word, and all created things are meant to obey God’s Word. Since our life and existence originate from the Word, should we not also live by the guidance of the Word?Just as the Word accomplished the work of creating all things and humanity—a great work of love—so too this same love God has for us urges Him to continually desire to nourish us with His Word, to guide us in living well, and to help us attain the fullness of life. The Word helps us journey through this life, supports us, and carries us so that we may successfully fulfill the Father’s plan for us, and one day return to the Father’s house to be reunited with Him and remain with Him forever.This Bible passage, in a gentle way, speaks of the Father’s deep and tender heart. It is worth savouring carefully and reflecting upon again and again.It warmly reminds us not to neglect receiving the nourishment and guidance of the Word. Its ultimate purpose is to bring about the fulfillment of the Father’s will in us, and to complete the mission for which the Word was sent into our lives.In this retreat, we will explore practical ways to listen to God’s voice in our daily lives so that we do not miss His personal messages meant for our growth and welfare. Drawing wisdom and inspiration from the Scriptures—God’s very words to us—we will reflect on how He continues to speak into our hearts.Throughout the retreat, we will also examine the inner dispositions that help us receive His Word more openly, and learn how to strengthen our “spiritual muscles” so we become more attuned to His Voice.Through these spiritual exercises and our shared journey, our ultimate goal is to deepen our ability to discern God’s will by staying attentive to His unique messages for each of us, as we navigate our lives and seek to understand the mission He entrusts to us.During this 40-day spiritual journey, we long to build a closer and more intimate relationship with the Lord together with you. Along the way, we will invite you to cultivate some new life habits, allowing the Word of God to enter into daily life and become an integral part of who we are. This requires our commitment and perseverance, so that these good habits may gradually reshape our lives and help us become more attuned to the Lord.We encourage you to invite a spiritual companion to walk this journey together, offering mutual support and encouragement, so that the new habits we form can be sustained. The goal of this retreat is to bring about a lasting impact on our lives, and these 40 days are only the beginning. We also encourage you to begin keeping a spiritual journal during this period, recording the messages and inspirations the Lord gives you. More importantly, write down the words He speaks to your heart and your response to Him.Since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, Farmer of Hearts has accompanied many through a 40-day online retreat, supporting growth in spiritual life. Our team’s heartfelt desire is that, through sustained daily deep reflection, participants may be drawn ever closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, entering into a profound and intimate communion with Him. We look forward to walking this journey with you this year!Let us once again savour this Bible passage:For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Is 55:10-11)ReflectionDo you long to hear God’s voice? What methods have you used to help yourself listen to His Word?Do you believe that God desires a personal relationship with you and wishes to give you messages that are intimate and uniquely yours? Why?Are you willing to desire more earnestly to listen to God’s voice? How will you prepare, both spiritually and practically, to put this desire into action?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus Christ, I sincerely thank You for touching my heart today through this passage of the Bible, allowing me to feel Your intentions and desire for me. Your powerful yet gentle invitation affirms Your resolve to nourish me with Your Word, to root my life more firmly, and to help it bear richer and more abundant fruit.I am willing to let Your Word enter my life, to reshape me

You may recall that a scribe once asked Jesus, of all the commandments, which was the greatest. Jesus replied: “The first is: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30–31) This is the greatest goal and meaning of our lives. In fact, at the Final Judgment, we will be judged according to the standard of “love”. Therefore, we should strive to increase our capacity to love and make that the primary goal of our lives.Hopefully, through this retreat, we have come to realize that aside from God Himself, what we most need is sufficient hope to fuel our love! Love is not just a fleeting impulse; it requires time, patience, sacrifice, and perseverance. It is not something that a person without hope can achieve. Thus, to fulfill the meaning of life by loving God and others, we must become people of hope. Hope plays a vital role in this mission.Our "hope index" is influenced by many internal and external factors, especially in today’s unpredictable world, where the external environment can easily affect our emotions and are difficult for us to control. When our understanding, perspectives, attitudes, and worldview are skewed, we are easily led into disappointment, or even despair.This is precisely why God has given us the theological virtue of hope: to guide and protect us in our lives. The foundation of our faith helps align our vision and will with God's, giving us the right worldview and values to face life’s trials and challenges. When faced with challenges in life, we realize how small and limited we are, and know that we need to rely on a power beyond ourselves to overcome these challenges. Unfortunately, many people rely on earthly wealth, power, and status, mistakenly believing they can control everything. But this is an illusion, a trap set by the devil to lead us to destruction. For Christians, our reliance must be on God. Our trust lies in a real, personal relationship with God and in His promises. This is the foundation and source of our hope.To strengthen our hope, we must understand the kind of relationship God desires with us and what our identity is. Jesus said He no longer calls us servants, but friends. And He entrusted us with the mission of continuing His work on earth. God wants us to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, cooperate with Him, aligning ourselves with the Father’s plan and participate in His work of salvation. As God once said to St. Catherine of Siena: “I created you without your help, but I will not save you without it.” This shows that God desires and needs our participation in His work of salvation. He needs us to respond, to accept His love and salvation, and to spread this gift of salvation, freely given us, so that more people may attain eternal life.God invites us to return His love by becoming channels of His love in the world, to spread His love like He did, without any conditions or expectation of return, with the same selfless spirit. Unfortunately, most people respond with indifference, rejecting His love and refusing to share this saving love with others.Since the light of Christ entered the world, God’s will is for us Christians to spread this light throughout the world. Unfortunately, our hardened hearts make us unresponsive to Him, causing Him grief. In the Book of Revelation, chapter 3, verse 15, God says: “I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot.” We can feel God’s anger, which He continues to express in verse 16: “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” This sadly reflects the current state of many Christians. It could be said that in our generation, Christ’s light is perhaps at its dimmest. Our supposedly strong "faith" has been destroyed by worldliness and the devil, and the "hope" of Christians is about to be extinguished! Christian hope is meant to be the pillar of hope for the world. But this pillar is about to collapse. Can we afford to delay our response to God any longer? How much longer must God endure this faithless and hopeless generation? The Gospel of John, also written by John the Evangelist, says this in chapter 3, verse 16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” God loves us this deeply, yet we treat Him with such indifference. Is this the attitude we should have? Can we bear to make God wait in pain any longer?As the Book of James, chapter 2, verse 17 says: “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” The same is true for hope. Hope is a choice. It is not passive. It calls for response and action. Christian hope without action brings no real hope to life; it becomes a self-deceiving illusion! Since the object of our hope is the Kingdom of

In our reflection on the twenty-fifth day of the retreat, we mentioned that while “hope” may seem small in the eyes of most people, it bears the important role of leading and propelling both “faith” and “love”. It has the power to move people into action. In His farewell message during the Last Supper, Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment:"Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35) Jesus did not only teach this with words, He acted. He got up to wash His disciples’ feet, setting an example for them, encouraging them to develop an attitude and habit of serving one another, because love without action is dead. Even as He faced suffering and the anticipated crucifixion on the cross, Jesus retained inner freedom and strength, and was able to wash His disciples' feet and patiently taught them. This not only demonstrated His deep love for His disciples but also showed how the Holy Spirit empowered Him through hope.In fact, when we possess true “faith” and “hope”, we naturally gain the capacity to “love”. We must remember that the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love are gifts from God. All actions grounded in these virtues draw their strength and motivation from the Holy Spirit. From Jesus, we witness the mighty supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.It was the power of the Holy Spirit that moved Jesus, who loves us to the end, to take up His cross and embark on the Way of the Cross towards Calvary. On the cross, He gave up His life for us, not only fulfilling the new commandment of love with His actions, but elevating its spirit to a new height.In John 15:12–14, Jesus reaffirms His command to love one another: "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you." Jesus wasn't speaking empty words. He meant what He said. He truly sees us as His friends, His most beloved friends.However, He didn't only die for His friends, but also for His enemies and even for those who crucified Him. That is the true essence of love taught by God. This kind of love doesn’t seek its own benefit. It thinks solely of the good of others, without any conditions and without expecting anything in return. Jesus calls us to love as He did, even to love our enemies. This is what He taught in Luke 6:27–28: "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." So Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was not just for His friends. It was for His enemies as well, because He loves them all.We might think, “Jesus could do that because He is the Son of God. How could we ever reach that level of love?” But we must understand that Jesus will never ask us to do something that is impossible for us. True, we cannot do it on our own. But by relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love that He has given us, we can. We must remember that with God, nothing is impossible!Jesus wants us to witness from Him that, as a true man, empowered by the Holy Spirit and the virtues of faith, hope and love, He was able to fulfill the great mission entrusted to Him by the Father. In the same way, through the grace and strength given to us by the same Holy Spirit, we too can accomplish the great works that God wants to work in us.Therefore, Jesus continues in John 15:15–17: "I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name." (John 15:12-17)Indeed, through His teachings and His role model, Jesus has revealed to us everything He heard from the Father. He wants us to continue His mission and has chosen us to bear lasting fruit, the fruits born of faith, hope, and love. And as we fulfill the mission that our Heavenly Father has given us, we can boldly ask for whatever we need in Jesus’ name, and the Father will grant them to us!ReflectionHave you ever felt overwhelmed or powerless when trying to live out the virtue of love? Reflect on the reasons behind that feeling.Learn from Jesus’ actions of love and His great love for you, expressed by His death on the cross. When you lack the motivation or strength to live out love, what can inspire you to pick up the strength and carry on?Now, in prayer, ask the Holy Spirit for inspiration and wisdom to discern how to cooperate with Him in your daily life to live out Jesus’ teachings and fulfill the mission the Father has entrusted to you.Today’s PrayerMy beloved Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You for all the suffering and humiliatio

God's desire is that we may be with Him not only in this life but also in eternal life, and that we may enjoy and receive all that is best. Everything He has done and arranged for us is for our greatest benefit. Since our first ancestors betrayed God, not only did God not abandon us, but for our sake, He saved us through the birth, suffering, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He also established the Church on earth for us, sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us, and instituted the sacraments to nourish and remain with us. Through Jesus, God brought the Kingdom of Heaven into the world, allowing us to have a foretaste of its sweetness, so that we may yearn for it even more and be filled with hope in our lives. The ultimate goal is to ensure that we can smoothly transition through our earthly lives and enter eternal life, to be with Him forever.In a sense, God has already done everything He could for us and He is simply waiting for our response. In Jesus’ first parable about the Kingdom of Heaven, the Parable of the Sower, He explains the mindset and attitude we should have in order to receive the word of the Kingdom into our lives, so that the Word may take root in our hearts and transform us and our lives. (Cf. Matthew 13:1–23)Unfortunately, most people do not allow the message of the Kingdom to enter their lives. Many even respond with indifference. In the parable, Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah to describe them: “You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people’s heart has grown dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn and I would heal them.” (Matthew 13:14-15) Those who do not have open hearts or space within will not listen to or accept the word of the Kingdom, nor will they have the patience to understand it.In contrast, Jesus describes in the parable that the seeds falling on good soil will bear fruit a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold. For the farmers of that time, such a harvest was unimaginable. This shows that for those who accept God's salvation and His Kingdom, He has prepared unexpected and unimaginable rewards and blessings! For those who seek the Kingdom and are willing to listen with open hearts and receive its message, how could this not lead to a great harvest? How could it not bring immense hope to their lives? Therefore, to be willing to listen to God's Word is to dwell in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is the key to letting the Kingdom take root in our hearts, and it is the reason we can find true hope in our lives.That is why Jesus said to His disciples: “But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.” (Matthew 13:16) This blessing is in stark contrast to those who, because of their hardened hearts, refuse to listen. So when facing people who see but do not perceive, hear but do not understand, and whose hardened hearts keep them from turning back, how could Jesus not feel sad and helpless?Jesus is the sower who generously scatters the Word of God. But in the face of people’s indifference toward the Word and their coldness toward God, how could Jesus not feel heartbroken? No wonder He ended the parable with this plea: “Let anyone with ears listen!” (Matthew 13:9)ReflectionHow seriously do you take the Word of God? Have you put it into practice in your life, or is it just knowledge in your head?What in your life hinders you from hearing and receiving God’s Word? What actions can you take to become the fertile soil that bears fruit a hundredfold?Take a moment to savour everything God has done for you. What more do you think God needs to do for you to make you more willing to receive His Word and live it out?Today’s PrayerDear Lord Jesus, thank You for generously sowing the Word of God into my heart. I understand Your expectations of me. Through today’s reflection, I feel even more deeply Your sorrow, because of my hardened heart, I have not treated every word You speak to me with the seriousness it deserves.I understand that You have already done everything You can. You are simply waiting for my response, hoping that I will diligently cultivate the field of my heart and remove all obstacles that prevent me from bearing fruit.I don't want to cause You pain anymore! Please help me! Open my eyes to see, my ears to hear Your Word, and transform my hardened heart into one that is sensitive and discerning of Your will for me!Lord Jesus, thank You once again! I love You!--------------------Fundraising AppealThank you for participating in this 40-day Lenten spiritual journey. We hope you have been inspired and have benefitted from it! For the spiritual benefit of all of you, Fountain of Love and Life devotes a lot of time and effort in producing various spiritual projects every year, and all our ministries are sustained by the generous donations of our

Throughout this retreat, we have touched on various concepts related to the Kingdom of Heaven. Now, let us delve deeper into what exactly this Kingdom refers to, and where it is.As the name suggests, the Kingdom of Heaven is the Kingdom of God, meaning that God, through Jesus Christ, reigns over all creation. Jesus is the King of this Kingdom.Pope Benedict XVI, in the first volume of his book Jesus of Nazareth, explains that the Kingdom is not a thing, it is not a geographical dominion like worldly kingdoms. It is a person; it is Jesus Himself.Through His teachings and example, Jesus fulfilled the will of the Father and embodied the spirit of the Kingdom. Therefore, Pope Benedict XVI emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is Jesus Himself. His incarnation as a human being embodies the fact that the Kingdom of Heaven has come to earth. Pope Benedict XVI further states: "By the way in which he speaks of the Kingdom of God, Jesus leads men to realize the overwhelming fact that in him God himself is present among them, that he is God’s presence.”In reality, the Kingdom of God exists in the hearts of people and within the Church that Jesus established. It exists through the Church. Thus, the Kingdom of God is not just a hope for the future, but is already present in this world through the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Sacraments. However, the Kingdom of Heaven on earth is imperfect because the Church is a church of sinners. Just as Jesus used the parable of the weeds among the wheat (cf. Matthew 13:30) to describe the Kingdom of Heaven, He said that both will grow together in the field until the harvest, which is until Christ returns for the final judgment. So, the Kingdom of Heaven is also a future reality, to be fully realized at the end of the world when Christ comes again. This is the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven having already begun but not yet completed.To find hope in the Kingdom of God, we first need a heart of repentance and conversion. This means we must transform our heart and mindset to turn away from sin, and join the family of the Church through the Sacrament of Baptism, becoming a part of the Church, which is the Body of Christ, the Mystical Body of Christ. We must live in Christ and attain communion with all those loved by God, our brothers and sisters in Christ, so that our lives may be made whole.Through the Church and within the Church, we can more easily discern the will of God and live out the spirit of the Kingdom of Heaven, that is, the spirit of Christ. To do so, we need to live by the Word, for Christ is the Word. Those who hear the words of Christ and act on them will build their lives on a solid foundation and become heirs of the Kingdom. But to inherit the Kingdom, we must fulfill the new commandment that Jesus gave when He instituted the Church, that is, we must love one another as He has loved us. This new commandment of love is the core of the Kingdom of Heaven! It also helps us to embody and carry out the justice and will of our Heavenly Father within the Kingdom, that is, in the Church and in the world today. By doing so, we can bring transformation to the world, reshape human relationships, and foster a culture of true love, peace, forgiveness, and service to one another.When our hearts proclaim Jesus as our Saviour and King, and we sincerely live out His teachings to love God and others, then we truly live in the Kingdom of Heaven. At the same time, the Kingdom, that is, Jesus Christ, lives within us and takes root in our hearts. Our lives are made complete in the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love given to us by God. With steadfast hope, we can look forward to the second coming of the King of Heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ.ReflectionDo you yearn to live within the Kingdom of God? How can you turn this longing into reality by living out the spirit of the Kingdom and of Christ in your daily life?Do you long for the perfect Kingdom of Heaven that will come when Jesus returns? How will you prepare yourself to welcome the arrival of this new heaven and new earth?Are you living in the Mystical Body of Christ, that is, within the Church, and in communion with your brothers and sisters in the faith, supporting one another as you journey together toward the Kingdom of Heaven?Today's PrayerAbba Father, I sincerely thank You for letting Jesus become man for the sake of the mankind You love and for my sake. Not only did He suffer, endure hardship, and die on the cross for me, He was also willing to experience all the pain of this world just to be truly present with me.But my life is so busy, and there are so many temptations. I also have many earthly desires and cravings that leave no room for me to sense Your presence in my life, to appreciate all You’ve done for me. I have not truly lived in Your Kingdom or lived out its essence.Thank You for Your patience with me. I know You have been waiting, waiting for me to awaken, waiting for me to draw closer to You.Please grant

Today, let us take a different perspective and look at another stumbling block that hinders us from finding hope. It turns out that another way to test and reveal the extent of our faith and hope is to consider: what do we ask of God?The rich young man came before Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16) The rich young man longed for eternal life and yearned to attain it, showing that he regarded eternal life as his happiness, which precisely fits the definition of the virtue of hope in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1817)In addition, he had the right goal and desired to do good, which is exactly what Jesus teaches us. Therefore, Jesus loved him very much (cf. Mark 10:21). However, his simple question revealed the mindset of the rich young man. He hoped to earn eternal life by doing something himself. What he believed in was his own ability, rather than relying on God's grace.On the other hand, Peter even boldly asked Jesus for a reward, on behalf of himself and the other disciples, because they had willingly given up everything to follow Him.The former, that is, the rich young man, wanted to show that he had the ability to respond to God’s demands and accomplish certain things; the latter, that is, Peter, felt self-satisfied and compared themselves with the rich young man, believing that he and his companions had already given up everything for Jesus, and hoped that Jesus would somehow reward them.We can clearly see that Peter and the disciples had indeed taken a significant step further than the rich young man. On the path of growing in the virtues of faith and hope, the disciples were undeniably closer to God’s Kingdom than the young man. However, let us take our analysis a step further.What Jesus asks of us first and foremost is not to rely on earthly wealth. For He solemnly said to His disciples: “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24–25) Therefore, the primary condition Jesus set for His chosen disciples was that they must give up everything to follow Him.At that time, Jesus began with a more basic requirement, inviting the rich young man to keep God’s commandments. In an effort to demonstrate his faith and capability, the rich young man confidently responded to Jesus, saying that he had kept all of them. So Jesus then said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) Jesus’ response might strike us as blunt, harsh, or even unreasonable, but in reality, it is not.Jesus knew that if we are to follow Him successfully and faithfully, we must trust Him with all our heart, all our soul, and all our mind. The prerequisite is our willingness to let go of earthly wealth. But refraining from relying on our possessions and material riches is only the first step! What is even more difficult is to stop depending on our own abilities, including our skills, our capacity to handle things, and the belief that we can achieve our goals by our own methods and willpower.Just like the rich young man believed he could fulfill Jesus’ demands through his own strength, Peter and the disciples also thought that by their own will, they had the power to choose to leave everything behind and follow Jesus.So, although there was still a significant gap between the rich young man and the disciples in their response to God and their journey of building the virtue of hope, they had not yet met Jesus’ requirement: to deny themselves, to stop relying on their own abilities, and to fully trust and follow Him.That is why Jesus looked at His disciples intently and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)As we set our hearts on reaching a more complete and mature hope, let us reflect seriously and examine our current state, considering how we can truly deny ourselves, make the deliberate choice to let go of all that binds us to the world, and resist the temptation to place our trust in our own abilities.ReflectionNow, take a moment to examine yourself carefully. Do you tend to think that you are doing quite well, and are self-righteous, so that you are unaware of your own flaws and weaknesses?Do you tend to rely on your own abilities, or become prideful and self-satisfied because of the right choices you have made or the good deeds you have done?As you journey toward attaining a fuller and more complete faith and hope, take time to assess your progress and identify any stumbling blocks along the way. In prayer, invite the Holy Spirit to help you.Today’s PrayerLord Jesus Christ, today’s reflection has shaken me and opened my eyes! I have realized that on my journey of faith and hope, I still have many blind spots! These blind spots have

During the previous day’s retreat, we explored the following questions: “Where do we invest our energy and life? What exactly are we asking of God?” Today, we continue this topic.I hope you still remember that we previously talked about the Gospel story of the rich young man (cf. Matthew 19:16–26). After that story, there’s a short episode that is also worth reflecting on. The rich young man, unwilling to part with his possessions, failed to respond to Jesus' call and went away grieving.Jesus then said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” (Mark 10:23–27)Peter then spoke up and said to Jesus: “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” (Matthew 19:27) (cf. Mark 10:28)Jesus answered: “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29–30)Here we see that even Peter, the chief of the apostles, couldn’t help but ask Jesus what the reward would be for following Him. Jesus wasn’t the least bit offended or displeased by the question. He didn’t rebuke Peter but instead responded seriously. His answer shows that if someone is willing to generously give up everything for His sake and for the sake of the Gospel, not only will they gain eternal life, but they will also receive a hundredfold reward even in this life! Of course, not everyone is called to give up everything to follow Jesus. But Jesus’ response teaches us that if we’re willing to let go of material things and worldly pleasures for His sake, God will never treat us unfairly in this life, in fact, He will reward us abundantly. In short, if we are generous with God, He will be even more generous with us. He is never outdone in generosity!You might have noticed that Jesus even included “persecutions” as part of the reward! You may be thinking: No way!This isn’t because Jesus purposely wants to make life hard for us. It’s because He knows that anyone who truly follows Him will face some level of rejection, resistance, opposition, exclusion, or even hatred and persecution from the world. This is actually unreasonable treatment, but because the followers love the Lord so deeply that they are willing to endure all kinds of persecution for His sake. This is why St. Paul the apostle firmly said in his second letter to Timothy, chapter 3, verse 12, “Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” This ties into what we discussed earlier, how suffering on our earthly pilgrimage is something that benefits us spiritually.Let us remind ourselves once again that the foundation of the virtue of hope is trust in Christ’s promises. Our level of trust in God is reflected in how willing we are to let go of our dependence on worldly things, and how much we are willing to surrender our “possessions” in order to choose God. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)If our hearts are not with God, then we are not living in the Kingdom of God. As Jesus warned His disciples, the more we trust in riches, and the more we accumulate and cling to, the harder it is to enter God’s Kingdom (cf. Mark 10:24).When we don’t yearn for or live in God’s Kingdom, we cannot find true hope. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines hope as follows: “Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1817)No wonder the rich young man, unable to let go, ended up losing his hope, went away grieving. (cf. Mark 10:22)ReflectionDo you have things in your life that you struggle to let go of, things that hinder you from responding to God’s call or seizing the opportunities He gives you? How would you like to begin changing that?Where do you want your reward and your treasure to be? What are you really seeking?Have you ever felt lost or even felt that your life has lost its meaning because you didn’t choose God or the path to His Kingdom? In prayer, ask God to show you the path He desires for you to take.Today’s PrayerLord Jesus Christ, thank You for once again drawing me into that moment of Your encounter with the rich young man, and allowing me to experience the tension between Your invitation and my attachments. My mind te

When we build relationships with others, we need to get to know each other. As we continue to deepen our relationship with God, let us also take a moment to reflect on human nature.Although God created humans in His own image, there’s often a clear case of “the goods not matching the label”! This isn’t because God made a mistake, but rather due to the sinful nature of man. Humans are selfish and self-centered, leading us to be greedy or to be overly calculating. These weaknesses are easy to spot in both ourselves and others. When we are taken advantage of or used by others for their gain, we feel angry.There is only one being in the world who doesn’t mind us constantly drawing benefits from Him, and that is God! Hebrews 11:6 says: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)Take note. God does not set many conditions here. The only requirement is that we believe in His existence and that He will reward those who seek Him. This is no simple promise! Unfortunately, few people have uncovered this mystery, and most are only concerned with tangible, immediate benefits.People tend to worry and live in the future, rather than in the present. Yet because “hope” relates to the future, those of us who often worry need to strengthen our “hope” to ease our anxiety about the future.Who doesn't long for a better future? But this hope is often out of touch with reality. Especially as our bodies age, energy declines, and our ability to act or respond diminishes, even just thinking about these things can make us feel depressed! So deep down we know that a better future, while not impossible, is by no means easy!When our minds are consumed by the idea that we are moving toward death, it is difficult to maintain a positive and proactive attitude towards what is happening to us. But we must remember that we are made for eternity. So we need to have a long-term vision and not be short-sighted!Those who understand investment always go for long-term returns, not short-term ones. How much more should that apply to our lives? And here’s the greatest news: when we invest our greatest effort into building a relationship with God, the return isn’t just in heaven, but also here on earth.One day, we will come to realize that we cannot rely solely on ourselves. We also know that relying on material things can’t bring spiritual comfort, only human relationships can bring spiritual satisfaction. Yet God desires to give us even more, He wants our souls to be satisfied. So, when seeking the best foundation to lean on, how can God not be our first choice!Isn’t it so? Ask yourself: who in this world is all-powerful? Who can guarantee they won’t depart from this life before us? Who will always be with us in times of need? Who is utterly trustworthy and never breaks a promise? Who is eternal and unchanging? Besides God, who else? God's love for us is unconditional. Even when we fail Him, He never fails us. In fact, His very nature prevents Him from disappointing us! His love is also bottomless, and there is no “withdrawal limit.” Since we are created by God, He holds the blueprint of our being. No doctor knows how to heal and provide for our body, mind, and soul better than He does. Most importantly, God always puts our well-being first, even above His own. And because only God is eternal, only He can fulfill both our temporal and eternal needs!If there were any person or product in this world that could offer such an extraordinary and transcendent guarantee, what else would there be to consider?Therefore, we should not hold onto the misconception that God doesn’t want us to have “wealth” in this life. That is simply not true! It depends on what kind of wealth we seek.God’s deepest desire is for us to have more, better, and the very best of all things! He has no hesitation in giving us a treasure that no one else on earth can give!ReflectionWhere is your time and energy currently being invested? What kind of benefit are you seeking?Are your hopes placed in things, in people, or in God? Take a moment now to answer this question honestly and reflect on it.After today’s reflection, do you better understand how deeply God cares for you and how much He longs to give you the very best? Please bring this into your prayer and pour out your heart to God.Today’s PrayerMy dearest Abba Father, thank You for showing me how deeply I am loved, and how ignorant I have been! I have not examined how self-centered I am, how attached I am to earthly gains, and how ungrateful I’ve been. Even worse, I have not realized how blessed I am!Why have I never seen the blessings You long to give me… never seen the love You want to pour out on me… never seen You…I grieve over the blindness of my heart! I don’t even know when it started, but my heart seems to have hardened! There is no space, no flexibility… nothing can melt it…Now I invite You into my inner

I hope yesterday’s reflection helps everyone realize that the greatest crisis in the world is not an economic crisis, not an environmental crisis, not a political crisis, nor even a crisis of war, it is a crisis of faith, and more importantly, a crisis of hope.The greatest pillar of this world is the Truth that Christ left behind. This Truth is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the example He set for us, in other words, the spirit of Christ. This Truth has been passed down to this day through the Church established by Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The role of the Church is to strengthen the faith of Christians, and to pass on the spirit of Christ and His promises to us from generation to generation.Faith is a relationship, a relationship between human beings and God. “Faith” is when we entrust ourselves to God. And “hope” is when we extend this trust from now into the future, until we are reunited with God in Heaven. Therefore, without “faith”, there is no “hope”. “Hope” grows through the inheritance of “faith”, under the nurturing and protection of the Church. And “hope”, in turn, carries the responsibility of sustaining “faith”.Our relationship with the Lord is the source of both faith and hope — and the foundation of everything. When the Church — the cradle of faith and hope — is attacked and harmed, the spiritual pillar of the entire world, the Christ-like spirit that Jesus spread to the world, will be severely weakened, and it becomes a big question whether God’s salvation can be passed on.Although “salvation” is an unconditional gift from God, God will never force us to accept it, therefore, we must actively respond to and accept it. Without belief or the virtue of faith, without a relationship with God and without a concept of eternal life, people will have no desire or yearning for the things of Heaven. They won’t long for eternal life or to be with God forever. When that longing is lost, so too is the desire for “salvation”, and this precious gift will gradually be lost. Isn’t this exactly what the devil wants most?That is why the mission of Christians is so important, because we each bear the responsibility of preserving, nurturing, and passing on “faith” and “hope”. Just imagine, when our faith grows weak, and our hope is extinguished, the light of the world will go out with it. The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ would then be in vain! Christians not only have the responsibility to preserve and strengthen their own “faith” and “hope”, but also to pass this light of “faith” and “hope” on to those around them.If we don’t take action, if we continue to naively believe that everything is fine and will work itself out, then by the time we realize the light of “faith” and “hope” has extinguished, it will be too late to save it.But we cannot pass on what we do not ourselves possess. If we have no relationship with the Lord, if we have no trust in Him or longing for Him, how can we introduce these treasures to others? If we do not know our own destination, how can we lead others there? If there is no light of Christ within us, how can we pass this light on to others, or to the world?That is why having a correct understanding of God and a real relationship with Him is so important! This is why we must make this the top priority in the meaning and purpose of our lives! For this reason, during this retreat, we have spent a lot of time trying to understand the nature and perspective of God, as well as His ways. Only when we have a correct view of God, ourselves, and the world, can we begin to build God’s Kingdom here on earth.ReflectionDo you believe that the Truth of God and the spirit of Christ play a pivotal role in the future and destiny of humanity? I invite you now to reflect on this question carefully.Do you place enough importance on your own faith and hope? Have you invested enough time in nurturing these two important virtues?Do you feel you have a responsibility to spread faith and hope? Do you feel a sense of urgency that leads you to take action?Today’s PrayerLord Jesus Christ, today I realize how ignorant I have been. I thought everything was fine, normal, and to be taken for granted. I did not recognize the seriousness of the problems, nor did I realize how important my mission was. So I never gave it much thought, nor did I truly explore the significance of faith in my life. Because of that, I have neglected my relationship with You.Thank You for reminding me through today’s reflection. You have made me deeply aware that both I and this world are facing a serious crisis of faith and hope. I don’t want to be someone who is “faithless” and “hopeless”, and even more so, I don’t want to hurt You by remaining in that state.From today onward, I long to know You more, and to love You more. Please ignite within me the light of faith and hope, and strengthen my sense of responsibility, so that I may carry out the mission of spreading Your love, guiding more people to accept You

Two days ago, we talked about the difference between “optimism” and “worldly hope”, and we took it a step further by analyzing the difference between “worldly hope” and the Christian virtue of hope.When we are young, with fewer burdens and pressures in life, facing life with an optimistic attitude is usually enough. But as we grow older and take on more responsibilities and heavier burdens, we need hope to give us the strength to face life positively. When we encounter life’s adversities, or when our bodies begin to weaken but our burdens don’t lighten, we can no longer rely on our own strength alone. At such times, it is the virtue of hope that reveals its greatest power. You could say that optimism depends purely on favourable external conditions, hope relies on our own strength, and the theological virtue of hope relies on the power of God.Let’s also look at this from the perspective of the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love. Although faith is the foundation for both hope and love, and love is the greatest of the three, in our daily lives, especially in times of adversity and suffering, when we’re gritting our teeth to endure, hope becomes the most crucial. When hope is extinguished, no matter how strong our faith may be, our love will also begin to grow cold. It’s not an exaggeration to say that hope propels faith and love forward. Hope links faith and love, energizes faith, and brings it to life through acts of love.When we understand what the virtue of hope truly is, we can begin to expose the devil’s schemes. Over the past few decades, the devil has relentlessly attacked Christianity, putting our faith to a severe test. As a result, our faith has become difficult to pass on to the next generation, and even among mature believers, the fire of faith has started to burn low. Without a solid foundation of faith, both hope and love cannot grow in a healthy way.The devil’s next strategy is to go after our already shaky foundation of hope, launching an all-out offensive. Our enemy attacks from many fronts. For example, it promotes individualism to overturn the teachings and truth of Christ, undermines our trust in God, and as a result, weakens the mutual trust between people and between nations. It then leads to all kinds of conflicts and divisions, plunging the world into chaos and even causing wars to destroy human hope, bringing depression, anxiety and even despair to individuals and society...In a world descending into such darkness, there’s no room left for love to grow or show its power.Therefore, we have good reason to believe that if we lose the fortress of hope, even if the world doesn’t erupt into a world war, mankind will eventually destroy itself. That’s why the Church, in this Jubilee Year, is calling us to be “Pilgrims of Hope”, a call that turns out to carry deep meaning and is prophetic!Therefore, we also have reason to believe that the devil’s ultimate goal is to attack God by attacking humanity in this faithless age. The devil is pulling out all the stops in this dark era and in the end times. It wants us to believe that Christian hope is unimportant, and it tries to replace it with mere optimism or worldly hopes, diluting the true spirit of the theological virtue of hope.So, if we have only a superficial understanding of the virtue of hope, or if we don’t think it’s necessary to strengthen our own hope, then we will fall into the devil’s trap. Not only are we blindly walking into its snare, but we’re also unknowingly “joining” its army and becoming promoters of despair rather than bearers of hope.ReflectionDo you have a clear understanding of the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love, and how they relate to each other? Has today’s reflection helped deepen your understanding?Do you believe your faith is built on a solid foundation? Do you have many doubts or questions about your faith or about the God you believe in? Has today’s reflection brought you any new awareness?Has your understanding of the virtue of hope been superficial? Take a moment of silence to examine the importance of hope in your life and how the Holy Spirit may be inviting you to deepen it.Today’s PrayerHeavenly Father, thank You for once again giving me the opportunity to reflect on my faith, especially on the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.Today I realize that I had thought my faith was already strong, but it turned out that it was because I did not seriously and deeply reflect on my faith, or I was deceived by the devil and thought that there was nothing wrong with me and that I was pretty good.Thank You for bringing me into my own wilderness today, where I can face myself honestly, and more importantly, face You, to reposition my life and faith, to re-examine and strengthen my faith and hope. This helps me to redefine the purpose of my life and become a pilgrim of hope with direction.Abba Father, today I come before You with a repentant heart, confessing my lack of seriousness

During yesterday’s retreat, we mentioned that the world often defines “hope” as a desire for things that can be attained in this life — for example: success, health, or a comfortable life. As Christians, however, we look forward to the Kingdom of Heaven and eternal life as our true happiness. The former is a fleeting kind of happiness, while the latter is eternal. But are these two in conflict? Can they coexist?To explore this question, we must first understand the meaning of life from God’s perspective. As Christians, the three main purposes of our earthly life are to know God, to love God, and to serve God. The ultimate goal is to enjoy eternal happiness with Him in heaven.First, to know God means to understand His nature and His plan for humanity. This is essential for us to live a meaningful life. Just like in human relationships, knowing someone is the foundation of building a relationship. Through knowing someone, we learn how to love them better. The same applies to our relationship with God. All relationships require mutual love, and since we know God loves us unconditionally and deeply, He desires that we love Him with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and all our will. This is the foundation of building an eternal and intimate mutual relationship. Finally, the natural expression of love is serving one another, and God asks us to serve Him by serving the least of our brothers and sisters. These three aspects form the meaning and foundation of our life.God hopes that, through the journey of life, we can achieve two main goals. The first is personal sanctification, which comes not only through loving actions but also through prayer, the sacraments, and living a virtuous life.The second is our responsibility to evangelize, to spread God's love and salvation. To achieve both personal holiness and the mission of evangelization, God calls each of us individually and grants us unique spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit, so we may participate in the work of the Mystical Body of Christ and fulfill God’s plan of salvation. On this level, all Christians are called to work together in building God’s Kingdom on earth, that is, to establish the Kingdom of God on earth by promoting justice, peace and love according to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. This means making heaven present on earth, because God longs for each one of us, whom He loves, to taste the truth, goodness, and beauty of Heaven, and to experience the sweetness of His presence with us here on earth. This is the happiness He desires for us humans to experience in our lives.Therefore, this virtue of hope we cultivate not only encourages us to pursue eternal joy but also allows us to experience happiness and joy in our present lives. Earthly and eternal happiness can coexist, and the key lies in how we define true happiness. Building the Kingdom of Heaven during our earthly pilgrimage should be our lifelong mission!Thus, finding hope in God’s Kingdom carries two important meanings: First, we must fulfill our responsibility to build the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Second, through our virtue of hope, we find in the Kingdom of God the source of hope, so that even amid trials, we have enough motivation to keep going.When we embrace this mindset and determination to fulfill the mission God has entrusted to us, our earthly lives become complete, and we will one day enjoy eternal happiness with God in heaven!ReflectionHave you taken knowing God, loving God, and serving God as the meaning and goal of your life on earth? How much of your time is devoted to these goals?Are you consciously living out your responsibility to pursue holiness and actively evangelize? In which area is the Holy Spirit inviting you to grow stronger?How well do you understand the concept of the Kingdom of God? Are you actively taking up your responsibility to build it here on earth?Today’s PrayerMerciful Abba Father, thank You for awakening me from my busy life today, and giving me the opportunity to re-examine the meaning and direction of my life. The burdens and worries of life have weighed me down, making it hard for me to see the road ahead and hard to see You… It leaves me feeling uncomfortable and not free.Thank You for helping me focus again on life’s ultimate goal, and for helping me recognize that the most important thing in life is my relationship with You. Please help me be more determined and persevering in knowing You, loving You, and serving You.Help me to seek Your holy will each day. May I build Your Kingdom on earth through building my relationship with You, serving the least of my brothers and sisters, and spreading the Good News.Abba Father, please help me to sanctify myself through these, so that I can become more like You day by day. Help me to see Your presence and Your goodness even in the midst of hardship.--------------------Fundraising AppealThank you for participating in this 40-day Lenten spiritual journey. We hope you have been inspired