On the fourth day of our retreat, we mentioned that "Pilgrimage is a time of conversion and renewal. A pilgrimage signifies not just a journey but a purposeful movement toward a destination and a higher goal.”

If life becomes stagnant, it turns into a dead pool of water. It can no longer be called a journey, let alone a pilgrimage. Such a life is meaningless, and it would be in vain that Jesus died for us and did everything He has done for us.

Yesterday, we discussed that the true driving force that propels us forward in life is the virtue of hope. You may ask yourself, "Is that really true?"

Indeed it is easy to argue against this point because when life is smooth and trouble-free, we can move forward without needing much hope. Isn’t that so? But do not forget, although it is easy to move forward when things are going well, it is also easy to lose direction. In good times, we are more inclined to choose the broad and easy path rather than the narrow path.

On the other hand, when we experience adversity, facing trials and hardships, hope shows its power. The driving force that moves us forward does not come from ourselves but from the foundation behind hope, that is, the "anchor", the "cornerstone", which is the promise of Christ. Also, because when we are in adversity, our own abilities are limited, we learn not to rely on our strength but instead to rely on the power and grace of the Holy Spirit.

During difficult times, when we walk with God through our struggles, hope draws us closer to Him. It helps us focus more on the meaning of life, stay vigilant, find our sense of direction, and better understand the meaning of the narrow path. This makes it easier for us to choose the path that aligns with God's will.

This is the Way of the Cross! It is not a road of punishment from God but rather the ultimate proof of His boundless love for us! Because the one who suffers most is not us; it is God. The one who pays the greatest price is not us; it is Him! In the end, the Way of the Cross is not a path that God forces upon us, but one that He first chose for our sake! Mother Mary also chose it! The saints throughout history chose it as well! Now, it is time for us to make our choice, for no one else can make this choice for us, not even God!

Clearly, hope does not merely push us forward; it also helps us shift our focus from self-centeredness and self-reliance to centering our lives on Jesus Christ and depending on the help of the Holy Spirit. Hope helps us fix our gaze on the ultimate destination of our earthly pilgrimage, our heavenly home and eternal life. Because of this, hope can be seen as the navigation system of our life and the compass guiding us to our final destination.

If we can grasp the true meaning of hope, we will better understand why God chose the Way of the Cross as His expression of love for us.

Reflection

Please look back at your life. In which situations did you need hope the most to guide your way? What was the source of your hope in those moments?

During your darkest days, did hope shift your focus, drawing you closer to God and helping you rely more on His power and guidance? In prayer, reflect on how hope has brought you closer to Him.

After today’s reflection, do you better understand why God chose the Way of the Cross as His expression of love for you? Will you also choose this path in response to His love?

Today’s Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for today’s reflection, which has helped me better understand why You ask me to take up my cross and follow You. You first chose the way of the Cross, allowing me to recognize the true face of love, to understand what true love is, and to learn how to love.

Please help me not only to be willing to carry my cross but to embrace it, for it represents Your love for me. Through this newfound understanding, I want to learn to appreciate the Cross and cherish the opportunity to draw closer to You through it.

Help me, Lord, that when I face adversity again, I may steadfastly choose You and willingly accept the cross You have tailor-made for me. May I be sincerely grateful for Your companionship on the Way of the Cross.

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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