“A friend in need is a friend indeed” does not only apply to human relationships, but it is also reflected in our relationship with God. God is faithful and His love for us never changes. Yet we only acknowledge God’s faithfulness when we are in need. Whenever we encounter adversity, such as setbacks at work or school, challenges in family and marriage, financial crisis, serious illness of ourselves or our relatives or friends, or the death of a loved one, etc., that is, difficulties that cannot be overcome by our own ability alone, we realize our limitations and need to turn to God for help.

No matter what the reason is for us to return to the Father and take refuge in Him, He is pleased because He knows that it is best for us when we rely on Him and live in Him. You know, God does not want disasters to happen to us. Most of the disasters and setbacks that happen to us are caused by our or other people’s free will, or by nature and natural laws. Although God wants us to remember Him and take refuge in Him, it is painful for Him to see that we only go back to Him through these painful experiences, in order that we can receive His power, His grace and support for us. Like any earthly father, He is eager to help us and provide for our needs at all times. Unfortunately, under most circumstances, we may not be willing to accept it, nor do we feel that there is such a need.

Usually, we will wake up suddenly when we have experienced some crisis that we cannot overcome by ourselves. You may have also heard the testimonies of people who have remarkable turnaround in their lives. It could be survivors who have overcome terminal illnesses, individuals who have escaped from disasters, or those who have been released from prison. It could also include people who have committed serious crimes in the past and have been forgiven. Through these experiences, they understand their own limitations, or even unreliability, and learn to turn to the more trustworthy One in their lives. People who are awakened in this regard will live a completely new life, just like the beginning of a second life. Not only will they live more humbly, but they will also cherish every moment and every gift in life. They don’t want to waste their lives or miss the opportunity to make contributions. They realize that nothing can be taken for granted and they need to cherish every moment of their lives.

These “lucky ones” who have this sudden awakening will not easily let go of the new mission given to them by this second life. They have a new set of values ​​and mindset to embrace and accept all the opportunities given by above.

If they are Christians, they will trust God more and try to find God in every situation in life.

Among the saints, St. Ignatius of Loyola is a classic example of this kind of person. Having experienced the devastating injury by a cannonball, he awakened from an extremely secular and utilitarian mindset. He was transformed from a military man who pursued fame and fortune to become the founder of the Society of Jesus. Besides, “Finding God in all things” is a key aspect of Ignatian spirituality. In fact, similar but less dramatic examples can often be seen and heard from the testimonies of catechumens and newly baptized. Unfortunately, among the more privileged brothers and sisters who have been baptized since childhood, testimonies in this regard are rare!

Let the great example of St. Ignatius remind us once again that the earlier we can recognize our own shortcomings, limitations, unreliability and sinfulness, the more we will understand how much we need God and how much we need to rely on His grace and power. We will do our best to find God’s footprints wherever and whenever possible, to find Him in all things.

In addition to inviting us to pray, fast and give alms more readily, Lent is also an opportunity that cannot be missed as it allows us to reflect, examine ourselves and repent more. In fact, in every Sacrament of Reconciliation, our Heavenly Father gives us another experience of a redeemed life, giving us an opportunity to awaken and be reborn, and to begin a new life.

Our ability to find God in all things is directly related to our awareness of how much we need God.

When we can fully understand that we need God every moment, we can embark on the wonderful journey of “finding Him in all things”!

May the Holy Spirit enlighten us. Let us take this opportunity to rediscover how much we need God in order to reorient our lives!

Reflection

Try to recall an experience in which you took refuge in God in a difficult situation or crisis. Please step into the role of the Heavenly Father. How do you feel?

Have you ever had a “rebirth” experience or major turnaround in life? What immediate and lasting changes did this experience bring you?

How are you going to use this retreat to reflect on how much you need God so that you can better prepare yourself to find God in all things?

Today’s Prayer

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise, and declare to the world: Lord, I really need You! (cf. Psalm 51)

Song: Lord, I Need You (Matt Maher) Cover by Anna Byrd
https://youtu.be/8qyWjy8ez9s?si=ssJrCWqLTpcfxATm&t=8

Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart (x2)

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Fundraising Appeal

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

Project Manager: Michael Lam
Writer: Paul Yeung
Editors: Bonny Chan, Rosa Tse
English Translators: Bonny Chan
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrators: Bonny Chan
Mandarin Narrators: Rene Ren
Audio Editors: Fonte Ip, Sander Lee, Margaret Woo
YouTube Editors: Fonte Ip, Sander Lee, Arnold Chan
Graphics: Francis Lai, Rosa Tse
Website: Patricia Young, Angela Wong
Podcast: Angela Wong
Social Media: Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse
Theme Music:
“Friends Only” by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@introvertpianist
“Watercolor Lilies” by Aaron Kenny https://youtube.com/@contactkennya