“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.
You are invited to visit the YouTube channel, where all participants are encouraged to join and share their reflections.
Fundraising Appeal
Thank 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 supporters. We hope you will support us with prayers and donations. Please make an online donation using the button at the top of the website Lent.FLL.cc. Thank you very much for your support. God bless!
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