Yesterday’s reflection affirmed an undeniable truth: even the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Son of God, was not exempt from experiencing suffering and trials in this world. She, too, had to carry her cross daily and follow Christ.

In fact, even Jesus Himself, being the Son of God, the most noble King, the revered rabbi, and the long-awaited Messiah, did not choose to save humanity with His power, glory, or majesty. Instead, He chose to stand before His creation, before His devoted followers, before His beloved apostles and women disciples, and even before His enemies, stripped of His garments, scourged to the brink of death, and ultimately crucified, naked and humiliated, for all to see. Imagine yourself in His place—what would that feel like?

The way of the Cross is the way of God's love. The Father chose it. Jesus chose it. Mother Mary chose it. The saints throughout history have chosen it. What about you?

This is the true face of love, completely unmasked, laid bare before us. God does not seek to prove to us how much He loves us; rather, He longs for us to experience His unreserved love. This love is what leads us back to Him. His ultimate purpose is not for Himself but for us, for our salvation and eternal happiness. This is a true loving relationship, and it cannot be conveyed in any other way. This is also the price of true love!

God desires that this true love continue to be passed on through us. What is required is an unwavering hope, a hope that teaches us to be like Mother Mary, who does not question but simply believes, obeys, and follows, all the way to the foot of Christ’s Cross.

In his message for the thirty-eighth World Youth Day, Pope Francis quoted a poem on hope by the French writer Charles Péguy. The beginning of the poem beautifully portrays the relationship between the three theological virtues, faith, hope, and love, as three sisters journeying together. Let us now savour the meaning of this poem:

“Hope, the little one, walks beside her two older sisters, practically unseen.
〔……〕
Yet she, the little one, drags everything along.
Because Faith only sees what exists.
And Charity only loves what exists.
But Hope loves what will be.
〔……〕
She is the one who makes the others keep walking;
She is the one who leads them on,
and makes them all walk together”
(The Portico of the Mystery of the Second Virtue, 1977, pp. 17-19).

This poem offers a delicate yet profound depiction of the interplay between the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. It makes us realize that although hope may seem small and insignificant in the eyes of many, it carries the crucial role of leading and driving both faith and love. This poem also invites us to re-examine our attitude towards and respect for hope, because by neglecting it, we will ultimately lose faith, love, and even our relationship with Jesus, who gave everything for us!

Reflection

Imagine yourself in the place of Jesus. Try to experience with empathy what He endured, bearing the Cross, suffering humiliation, and dying for us on the Cross while others watched and despised Him.

Can you recognize the importance of hope in the lives of Jesus and Mother Mary? Imagine if their foundation of hope had been shaken, what would have been the result?

After today’s reflection, do you have a deeper understanding of hope? How will you strengthen your hope?

Today’s Prayer

Dear Jesus, where do I even begin… I know that Your love for me is real, unconditional, and immeasurable. Through today’s meditation, I can feel more deeply what it was like for You to die on the Cross for me. I know why You chose to do this for me, but I still cannot comprehend how You could make such a decision. For us... for me... was it really worth it?

Please do not let me dwell on this question alone. Today, I understand even more that I must build and strengthen my hope. Let my hope drive my faith and love so that I will continue to accept the prompting and invitation of the Holy Spirit each day. No matter how many trials or hardships I face in life, I will not give up easily, nor will I lose hope or doubt Your promise to me.

Lord Jesus, help me learn from Mother Mary, to take up my cross each day and follow You. I promise You that, every day of my life, I will strive to be a better pilgrim of hope.

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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