[Finding Hope in God’s Kingdom] Day 1 – A Heart Full of Hope

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reflection

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

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

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

Today’s Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writer: Paul Yeung

Project Manager: Michael Lam, Rosa Tse

Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse

English Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung

Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.

Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo

English Narrator: J. Johnson

Mandarin Narrator: C. Zhou

Audio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo

YouTube Editors: Arnold Chan, Cyan Cheung, Sander Lee

Graphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong

Podcast: Angela Wong

Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse

Theme Music:

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

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