We need to have a genuine relationship with God. Whether this relationship is healthy or not depends on how accurate our image of God is, and more importantly, the role and position of God in our minds.
In the first five days of the retreat, we mentioned that if we are not aware of our need for God, it is difficult for us to have the motivation and desire to establish a relationship with Him, especially since God is not someone we can see or touch. This awareness and awakening can be achieved through several ways.
The first is to choose a simple lifestyle and avoid living a luxurious or materially rich life, which will give you the illusion that we can be “self-sufficient”. The second way to become aware of and experience that one has needs is through self-denial. In particular, it applies to some higher-level needs which cannot be satisfied by oneself, such as spiritual needs. The third is through continuous self-examination and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly, making ourselves aware that we are limited and weak and in need of God’s forgiveness, grace, and help.
If we don’t realize that we need God through these deliberate life choices, one day when something unexpected and beyond our control happens, such as a disaster or crisis, it will dawn on us that we cannot live our lives by relying on ourselves.
Of course, we cannot enter into a relationship with God with a selfish motive, that is, only seeking to satisfy our own needs. After all, God is not a tool.
We need to have a genuine relationship with God. Whether this relationship is healthy or not depends on how accurate our image of God is, and more importantly, the role and position of God in our minds.
When we love or care about someone, we constantly think of them and wish to see them anytime, anywhere, even in our dreams. Isn’t that true? If the object of our affection is God, we would hope to encounter Him in all things and be with Him. Conversely, if God is not the one we love or care about, or if He is not our ultimate love, we won’t have a strong desire to find Him in all things. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves, who or what are more important to us than God? These things could be tangible or intangible, such as achievements or status.
If there is something in our lives that is more important than God, are we willing to give God a chance to “compete” with the one we love most in our lives right now?
This is also a chance for ourselves! Isn’t it the greatest blessing to be able to find your true love in life, the person who loves you the most? Isn’t it worth investing our time to find the answer?
Let’s embark on this amazing journey of exploration together!
Reflection
Is there anyone or anything more important than God in your life right now? That is, when you think of this person or thing, you will be more excited and happier than when you think of God. You will also put more thought into this person or thing.
What role and position does this person or thing have in your life?
Why is this person or thing more important to you than God?
Today’s Prayer
Lord, I’ve realized that there are many things in my life that I consider important. You know I value those things… but why do You want me to make a choice? To me, You are important. It’s true… but those things are equally important! I’m really not ready to make this choice.
Could You please give me another way out… to have both… or at least give me a little more time?
Please… help me… when I am about to give up on making a choice, please give me the perseverance to make wise choices through this retreat, through the free will You have given me.
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, Finding God in All Things. 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 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 Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul Yeung
Mandarin Editor: Anthony X.
Cantonese Narrator: Margaret Woo
English Narrator: Bonny Chan
Mandarin Narrator: 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