Farmer of Hearts - How Not to Miss God’s Voice

生命恩泉 Fountain of Love and Life
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Do you long to discern God’s will more clearly amid the busyness of daily life? This Lent, Fountain of Love and Life invites you to rediscover the art of listening in quiet and stillness. How to Listen? In this Lenten Retreat, we will explore practical ways to listen to God’s voice in our daily lives so that we do not miss His personal messages meant for our growth and welfare. Drawing wisdom and inspiration from the Scriptures—God’s very words to us—we will reflect on how He continues to speak into our hearts. Mentality and Lifestyle Adjustments Throughout the retreat, we will also examine the inner dispositions that help us receive His Word more openly, and learn how to strengthen our “spiritual muscles” so we become more attuned to His Voice. Not to Miss God’s Voice Through these Lenten spiritual exercises and our shared journey, our ultimate goal is to deepen our ability to discern God’s will by staying attentive to His unique messages for each of us, as we navigate our lives and seek to understand the mission He entrusts to us. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Is 55:10-11) We sincerely invite you, during the 40 days of Lent, to spend 10 minutes each day experiencing God’s presence in a new way. Join NOW* – To receive daily reflections (Monday to Saturday) from the brand new FLL Lenten online retreat “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice” starting from Ash Wednesday (February 18). Written content will be available in traditional and simplified Chinese and English. Audio guides will be available in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Let’s begin our Lenten Spiritual Journey together, starting on Ash Wednesday, February 18! *If you had received our Advent 2025 online retreat content through email, you do not have to register again. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@watchFLL IG: @fll.cc | Facebook: fb.com/fll.cc

  1. [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 21 – Walking Down the Mountain of Pride

    21 HRS AGO

    [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 21 – Walking Down the Mountain of Pride

    “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) Over the past few days, we have been emphasizing the vital importance of placing ourselves at the absolute lowest point in order to receive God’s voice and His wisdom. Yet, as we often discover in our spiritual journey, this is much easier said than done. It is incredibly easy to accept this concept in our minds, but it is deeply uncomfortable and profoundly hard to put it into practice in our daily lives. Pause for a moment and ask yourself: Why is it so hard? It is difficult because, deep down in our minds, we don’t truly believe we are that lowly! We don't feel we deserve to be placed at the bottom! In fact, human nature dictates that we desire to be respected. We want others' attention and recognition, and we have an insatiable thirst to be validated and valued. As Pope Francis reminded us, the proud person is one who thinks he is much more than he really is, always wanting his own merits recognized. That underlying desire makes it excruciatingly hard to empty ourselves to a point below our own perception of who we are. This struggle is especially hard for people who have been doing all the right things—those who perform the correct external religious practices and have built up a strong “religious resume.” When we do good deeds, serve in the parish, or pray daily, a subtle pride can creep in. We begin to believe that we do not need to obtain help from others in our moral and spiritual lives, not even from God! We believe we can handle life using our own strength, all by ourselves. Jesus dealt with many proud people who hid their pride very well behind religious observance. But remember the spiritual law Jesus revealed to us, which we touched upon on Day 17: “The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Luke 7:47) This brings us to a harsh but liberating truth. Unless we really admit from the bottom of our hearts that we are weak, broken, and absolutely nothing without God; unless we realize that it is only by His grace that we are not hopeless sinners; unless we acknowledge that we are totally dependent on Him and can accomplish nothing without Him—that we cannot even survive one moment without His sustaining breath—we will never be able to let go of our status and our position. After all, if Jesus didn’t come to redeem us, we would be condemned. We need God that much! Humility is the absolute foundation of our prayer; only when we realize we are beggars before God can we freely receive His grace. At the end of the day, how deeply you know and feel your need for Him determines how willing you are to step down to the lowest point. This willingness is the master key to unlocking the treasure of God’s Wisdom. Jesus gave us a clear warning and promise: “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) Unless we are willing to walk down from the mountain of our pride, we will never be able to truly and totally know, experience, and embrace God. Why? Because as long as we remain on that mountain, everything we do, say, or act will subconsciously shut Him out. We will have no real relationship with God, let alone an intimate one. God will have no place in our lives except for the moments we desperately need help. We risk turning the Almighty Creator into an "on-demand" service provider—someone we expect to show up only when we ring the bell. Take a deep breath. Are you holding onto your spiritual resume today? Are you secretly craving the applause of others? Jesus is inviting you to walk down the mountain. Step into the valley of humility. It is only there, in the quiet lowlands of total dependence, that you will meet Jesus face to face. Now, with a humble spirit, please meditate once again on the following exhortation of Jesus: “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) Reflection How deeply do I truly feel my daily, desperate need for God's forgiveness and presence? Do I secretly crave the attention and validation of others more than I desire to please God? In what specific ways have I treated God as an "on-demand" service provider rather than a loving Father? Where in my life am I relying on my "spiritual resume" instead of God's grace? What specific "mountain of pride" is Jesus inviting me to walk down from today? Today’s Prayer Lord Jesus, I confess that it is incredibly hard for me to empty myself. I often cling to my pride, my desire for validation from others, and my self-righteous "spiritual resume." Forgive me for the times I have treated You merely as an "on-demand" service provider, rather than the Lord of my entire life. Grant me the grace to deeply realize my own weakness and brokenness. Without You, I am nothing; without Your redemption, I am without hope. Please take my hand and lead me down from the mountain of my pride. Help me to willingly remain at the lowest point, with a heart fully open to embrace Your grace, Your wisdom, and a true intimacy with You. -------------------------------------------------- The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse Theme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

    12 min
  2. [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 20 – Pride Closes the Door to Wisdom

    1D AGO

    [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 20 – Pride Closes the Door to Wisdom

    “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Over the past few days, we have reflected together on repentance, a contrite heart, humility, and facing pride. Today, we go deeper into the attitude of pride. Pride not only hurts our relationships with others—it can completely block the voice of God. It convinces us that our thoughts are better than His. Consider the words of St. John the Baptist: “He must increase, and I must decrease”. (John 3:30) To truly live these words, we must uproot pride completely. Pride is called the “root of all sin” because it is often the starting point of everything that goes wrong in the human heart. Pride is the desire to be number one—above God and above others. It whispers within us: “I know best. I don’t need help. My plan is perfect.” We pursue success and attempt to control our lives through our own plans, schedules, and opinions, saying, “This is my way, and it is the best way.” Yet deep within, this is a form of rebellion—much like the devil who once desired to place himself on the same level as God. Today this pride may appear in many ways: when we ignore the advice of family members, when we skip prayer because we are “too busy,” or when we dismiss the teachings of the Church because they do not align with our personal views. Pride makes us deaf to God’s call in the ordinary events of daily life. Now listen again to God’s clear response in the Book of Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Imagine yourself standing on the ground and looking up at the endless sky. God’s wisdom is that high above ours. Our thoughts are limited, like small paths winding across the earth—twisting and easily leading us astray. But God’s ways are vast, guiding us toward true life and peace. Pride resists this truth. It tries to climb higher by its own strength, yet ultimately it leads only to loneliness and dryness of heart. Do you remember the two images from Day 18? They fit perfectly here. First, become a beggar before God. Not proudly demanding, but humbly asking for what we cannot give ourselves: grace, wisdom, and forgiveness. Second, be like a humble earth. Valleys receive the most rain because they are low; mountains shed the rain away. If we remain on the “high ground” of pride, the Word of God—like life-giving rain—simply runs off. But when we lower ourselves, God’s Word can penetrate deeply into the soil of our hearts and bring forth new life. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I standing too high? At work? In my relationships with family? Or in my own plans? St. Francis of Assisi lived this truth in a simple yet powerful way. He renounced everything—home, wealth, and comfort—and lived by begging for food, trusting entirely in God alone. In the rule he wrote for his brothers, Francis warned them to beware of pride and self-concern, to remain humble in hardship, and to love those who hurt them. Francis was able to hear God’s voice clearly because he willingly made himself small—serving the poor and praising God through all creation. His life proclaims a powerful message: when we stop relying only on ourselves, we begin to hear God. Pride within us says, “I can handle everything my own way.” Yet God’s ways are higher—filled with surprises that heal and set us free. Let us honestly admit it: our own thoughts often lead to stress and mistakes, while God’s ways lead to joy. Now imagine yourself kneeling before God like a beggar, your heart open. Feel yourself like soft soil waiting for rain. Today, what in your life needs to “decrease”? Surrender it to God. Let us once again ponder the Word of God: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) Reflection Where do I insist on my own will rather than God’s will, thereby blocking His voice? How does pride make me so self-reliant that I forget I am merely a beggar before God? In what areas of my life do I play god, deciding good and evil on my own? Today’s Prayer Lord Jesus, my merciful Savior, forgive my arrogance. I have dared to place my proud yet fleeting thoughts above Your eternal wisdom. I confess my rebellion in insisting that my will is best, while ignoring Your higher ways. Uproot this sinful root within my heart. Teach me to kneel before You like a beggar, pleading for Your grace; like humble earth in the valley, thirsting for the rain of Your Word. Just as St. Francis of Assisi embraced poverty in order to hear You more clearly, strip away my self-sufficiency. May You increase, and may I decrease. Renew my heart so that I may once again hear what You desire to say to me. -------------------------------------------------- The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse Theme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

    13 min
  3. [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 19 – Pride Silences God’s Voice

    2D AGO

    [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 19 – Pride Silences God’s Voice

    “We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Yesterday, we encountered the joyful obedience of John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Through humility, we learned to shift our focus from ourselves to God, creating an interior space for the voice of the Lord. But how can we maintain this space? How can we allow the voice of Christ to truly echo within our hearts? Today, let us apply this joyful self-decreasing to the practice of listening. “Humility” not only creates space for God directly; it also paves the way for Him to speak to us through others. The Apostle Paul gives thanks that the Thessalonians were able to discern in his preaching the word of God. They did not treat Paul’s message as merely human opinion, but gladly received it as a word that came from God. Because of this, the word of God was able to take root and bear fruit in their hearts. This reflects the same spirit we see in John the Baptist: a willingness to shift the focus away from ourselves and toward God, and also toward what God may be saying to us through others. When we lower ourselves, God can make others channels of His grace for us. God often chooses to speak to us through the people around us. Yet how many times have we, out of pride, refused to listen to the voices of our parents, spouses, children, colleagues, or even strangers—and in doing so missed the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Envy and pride can make us spiritually deaf. Envy often springs from pride; it causes us to see others as rivals rather than as messengers of God. We must resist this attitude with goodwill and humility. If we are not humble enough to listen to the people whom God places along our life’s journey, we will inevitably miss the voice that God is speaking through them. Today, let us put into practice the spirit of John the Baptist: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” How can we step back so that the light of Christ may shine? First, practice silence in conversation. When someone speaks to you today, do not begin forming your rebuttal in your mind before they have finished speaking. Instead, simply stand and listen attentively. Second, embrace small or unexpected humiliations. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that accepting moderate humiliation is a powerful remedy that heals our pride and restrains the excessive swelling of our souls. Today, when you are misunderstood or overlooked, resist the urge to defend yourself immediately. Let it go, and offer this small “decrease” to God. Let us once again reflect on the insight that these words of the Apostle Paul reveal to us: “We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13) Reflection In conversations, do I stand and listen like St. John the Baptist, or do I compete for attention? How does pride cause me to see others as opponents, causing me to miss the voice of God that is spoken through them? What attitudes—such as envy or defensiveness—prevent me from seeing the people around me as messengers of God? Today’s Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me through today’s reflection that You often speak to me through the people around me. Yet because of my self-centeredness and pride, I have missed the words You wished to say to me. Teach me to imitate the humility of St. John the Baptist. Remove my pride, and help me to hear Your voice through others. Today I am willing to practice silence in conversation, to notice Your presence in others, and to listen to what You are saying to me through them. Speak, Lord; Your servant is listening. -------------------------------------------------- The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse Theme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

    10 min
  4. [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 18 – The Joy of Decreasing

    3D AGO

    [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 18 – The Joy of Decreasing

    “The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30) Yesterday, we reflected on the importance of a contrite and broken heart for hearing the voice of God. We saw how true repentance acts like a hammer that shatters the hardened walls of our pride, allowing God to enter. But once those walls collapse, what comes next? When our hearts finally open up and we let go of ourselves, how should we cultivate this newly cleared space so that the voice of God may truly resound within it? If we want to attune our spiritual ears to God’s “channel,” we must adopt a most fundamental attitude: humility. To understand this posture of humility, let us look at the example of St. John the Baptist. Imagine the scene described in the Gospel of John: at that time, John the Baptist’s influence was at its height. Crowds were flocking to the wilderness to hear him preach. Yet when Jesus began His public ministry, John did not cling to his own “stage” or popularity. Instead, he displayed remarkable humility. He called himself “the friend of the bridegroom.” He even declared: “He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30) Notice John’s posture: he stands and listens. His greatest joy was not to be the centre of attention or the loudest voice in the crowd; his greatest joy was to hear the voice of the bridegroom. In order to preserve this immense joy, John reveals to us the ultimate secret for aligning ourselves with the frequency of God’s voice: I must decrease. Only when I continually make myself smaller can the bridegroom’s voice grow louder within me. But what does it mean spiritually to “decrease”? In the spiritual tradition, decreasing means becoming like the earth. Just as the earth lies beneath the heavens in order to receive the rain, the listener must place himself in the lowest position, humbling himself so that he may receive God’s teaching. The Book of Sirach exhorts us: “The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself; so you will find favor in the sight of the Lord.” (Sirach 3:18) St. Bonaventure profoundly notes that humility is the gateway to wisdom, because it "teaches the nothingness of man and the greatness of God." When we turn our gaze away from self-centeredness toward the greatness of God, we create a vast space within our souls—and God immediately rushes in to fill that space! The Scriptures promise that God opens the door in a special way to those who adopt a lowly posture and personally teaches them. The Magnificat of the Blessed Virgin Mary echoes this truth: “He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly.” (Luke 1:52) The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that humility is the very foundation of our communication with God, because "man is a beggar before God." (CCC 2559). If we refuse to become beggars, we will never hear the voice of the King. Humility is not self-hatred; it simply means thinking of ourselves less. It is a daily choice—a decision to embrace dependence on God rather than on the endless noise, ambition, and self-sufficiency of this world. God is always speaking, but His voice is broadcast only on the frequency of humility. If our minds are filled with the echoes of our own ego, the Word will have no space to take root. Let us strive to imitate the lowly earth—humbly receptive, quiet and peaceful, always ready to bear fruit. Let us find true joy in becoming “the friend of the bridegroom,” and quietly repeat in our hearts: Lord Jesus, You must increase, and I must decrease. Let us once again meditate on the humble declaration of John the Baptist: “The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:29-30) Reflection In which areas of my life do I still insist that I must increase, rather than allowing Christ to take centre stage? Do I sincerely see myself as “a beggar before God”, or do I treat prayer as a transaction in which I dictate the terms? As I seek to live as “the friend of the bridegroom,” am I willing not to be the main character, but simply to stand aside and rejoice in hearing God’s voice through the people around me? Today’s Prayer Lord Jesus, forgive me, for my pride and ambition often drown out Your gentle voice. Grant me a heart like that of John the Baptist—joyful and obedient. Strip away my desire to be noticed. Teach me the profound meaning of “decreasing,” so that my heart may become like the lowly earth—quiet and peaceful, humbly receptive, and longing for the living water of Your Holy Spirit. Grant me a humble heart, that I may hear Your voice speaking through the people around me. Lord Jesus, You must increase, and I must decrease. -------------------------------------------------- The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse Theme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

    12 min
  5. [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 17 – The Contrite Heart and the Frequency of Love

    4D AGO

    [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 17 – The Contrite Heart and the Frequency of Love

    “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) Yesterday, we came to understand that a repentant heart can remove the obstacles between us and God. Today, we want to explore more deeply the nature of this heart. The Psalmist tells us that God does not merely desire external sacrifices; what He truly longs for is a “broken and contrite heart.” Jesus not only commands us to repent; He is also deeply drawn to those who possess such a broken heart, and He actively praises them. To understand why this is the key to hearing God’s voice, we must look at two powerful encounters in the Gospel of Luke: the Pharisee and the tax collector, and the sinful woman in the house of Simon the Pharisee. “But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” (Luke 18:13) “Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” (Luke 7:47) St. Thomas Aquinas explains that the word “contrite” literally means “to be crushed into pieces.” A contrite heart is one in which pride has been completely shattered by a deep awareness of one’s sinfulness and a desperate longing for God. Consider the Pharisee in the temple. He performed all the right external religious practices—fasting twice a week and giving a tenth of his income. Yet his heart had become completely hardened. He was self-righteous, contemptuous of others, and convinced that he had no need for forgiveness. His mind was filled with praise for himself, even praying, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people.” As a result, he was completely deaf to God’s voice. The tax collector, however, stood far off, beating his breast, crushed by the weight of his own unworthiness. He relied entirely on God’s mercy rather than on his own strength or religious “resume”. Jesus tells us that this man went home “justified.” God will never despise a heart that has shed its pride and stands vulnerable before Him. St. Augustine reminds us that the true humility of a penitent is like that of Abraham, who confessed: “I am but earth and ashes.” When we acknowledge that we are ashes, our ears are finally open to the Good Shepherd. This leads us to a deeper spiritual truth about our ability to listen: if we do not have an intimate, loving relationship with God, we cannot hear His voice. Think again of the sinful woman who wept at Jesus’ feet. Simon the Pharisee judged her and was disgusted by her past. He considered himself a good person; he did not feel that he owed God anything. But Jesus revealed a spiritual law: “The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” This sinful woman clearly knew the ugliness and weight of her sins. She felt shameful, yet she had great faith that Jesus could heal her. When she experienced His lavish forgiveness, an ocean of gratitude and love was unleashed from within her heart. Here lies the secret: love is the frequency on which God speaks. If we are like the Pharisee—believing we are “already good enough” and do not need forgiveness—we will not be grateful. Without gratitude, our love for God becomes distant, cold, and transactional. If your heart is not burning with love for Him, how can you recognize the gentle, quiet whisper of the Good Shepherd? The woman’s sins were forgiven, and Jesus said to her, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Her contrition instantly united her heart with the heart of Christ. Today, let us examine our spiritual lives. Do we rely on our Catholic routines—such as attending Mass or saying prayers—while secretly harboring within us a judgmental, self-righteous Pharisee? Do we look down on others while forgetting how deeply we ourselves need God’s mercy? Let us ask God to give us a crushed and contrite heart. For when we realize how much we have been forgiven, we will love God passionately. And in that fervent, grateful love, the voice of God becomes clearer than ever before. Now take a moment to meditate again on the message of this Scripture: “The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17) Reflection When I pray, do I come before God with a list of my good deeds and complaints about others, or do I come empty-handed, relying only on His mercy? Am I willing to allow my pride to be “crushed” so that God’s voice can finally penetrate the walls of my self-reliance? Jesus said, “The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” God has forgiven me and granted me such immense grace. Have I gradually become numb, forgetting to thank Him from the depths of my heart? Is my love for God passionate, or merely transactional? Am I substituting genuine sorrow for my sins with merely going through the motions of religious rituals? Does my heart truly feel how my sins have offended a God who loves me so deeply? Today’s Prayer Lord Jesus, my beloved Good Shepherd, today I come before You not with my achievements, but with my brokenness. Forgive me for the times I have acted like a Pharisee, blinded by my own self-righteousness and deaf to Your gentle voice. Grant me a truly crushed and contrite heart—a heart that You will never despise. Help me to recognize the weight of my sin so that I may experience the immeasurable depth of Your mercy. Lord, because You have forgiven me so abundantly, grant that I may love You ever more deeply. Tune my heart to the frequency of Your love, so that I may always hear Your call and follow You faithfully. -------------------------------------------------- The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse Theme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

    13 min
  6. [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 16 – Radical Reorientation

    6D AGO

    [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 16 – Radical Reorientation

    “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) Yesterday, we reflected on the need for a pure and undivided heart in order to see and hear God. But when we fall, how can we restore that purity? At the very beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, He revealed to us the most important key, and said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) Why was this Jesus’ first proclamation? Because the Kingdom of God is a reality that is breaking into our world, and within it God is constantly speaking to us. Yet if we do not repent, we simply cannot hear Him. If we do not want to miss God’s voice, we must understand that repentance is not a once-and-for-all event, but a daily process of tuning our spiritual ears. In our spiritual lives, sin is like a thick wall or a disconnected wire. It blocks God’s grace and creates a great barrier and gulf of communication between us and the Good Shepherd. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that interior repentance is “a radical reorientation of our whole life, a return, a conversion to God with all our heart.” (CCC 1431) When we cling stubbornly to sin, our spiritual senses become numb. We can no longer feel God’s presence, and we become deaf to His guidance. Repentance shatters this wall. Just as clearing the silt from a river channel allows the blocked water to flow again, repentance removes the obstacles that hinder God’s grace, allowing His voice to flow freely into our souls. Repentance requires profound humility. St. Thomas Aquinas warned that people often resist the truth because of pride, yet the fruit of repentance is to know the truth and to be set free from the snare of the devil. Pride tells us that we do not need guidance, leading us to rely on our own flawed intuition instead of turning to God for direction. The humility born of repentance helps us clearly see our weakness and sinfulness. When we acknowledge that we are lost sheep, we naturally stop listening to our own inflated ego and instead lift our ears to seek the voice of the Good Shepherd. Sin is by nature self-centered; it causes us to see only ourselves and to become absorbed in our own desires, ambitions, and wounds. Repentance breaks this self-centered cycle. It frees us from selfishness and redirects our entire focus toward God and others. Yet repentance is not merely about fixating on our faults and sins; more importantly, it leads us to discover God’s love for us. When we are immersed in this love, we realize how deeply sin has separated us from God, and our longing to hear His voice is rekindled. To maintain a repentant heart, we must break the bad habits of rationalizing our sins, avoiding confession, and stubbornly relying on ourselves. Instead, we must cultivate the good habit of daily examination. St. Ignatius recommends that we pray each day, asking the Lord for an interior knowledge and hatred of our sins so that we may correct ourselves and put our lives back in order. He also strongly encourages frequent confession, noting that a soul prepared through repentance and the Sacraments not only receives help to avoid falling into sin, but also preserves the increase of grace. (Spiritual Exercises, First Week). Today, let us ask the Lord to grant us the grace of true repentance, to remove every obstacle, and to open our hearts to receive the Good News of His Kingdom. Let us once again listen to the teaching of Jesus: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) Reflection In my life, is there an unconfessed sin, resentment, or rationalized bad habit that stands like a wall between God and me? In what areas of my life am I relying entirely on my own wisdom or intuition, refusing to humbly seek God’s guidance? How does this pride make me spiritually “deaf”? Do I have the habit of making a daily examination of consciousness? Am I willing to commit myself to frequent confession in order to clear the “static” from my spiritual receiver? Today’s Prayer Merciful Abba Father, I admit that my pride and stubbornness often block Your grace and drown out Your voice in my life. Grant me sincere humility to recognize my sinfulness, and give me the courage to turn to You with all my heart. Remove my selfish desires and shatter the walls of my self-reliance. May the sacrament of Your forgiveness cleanse my soul, so that I may hear the call of the Good Shepherd and follow Him with joy into Your Kingdom. -------------------------------------------------- The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse Theme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

    11 min
  7. [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 15 – Listening to the Good Shepherd with a Pure Heart

    MAR 5

    [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 15 – Listening to the Good Shepherd with a Pure Heart

    “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) Over the past few days of reflection, we have come to realize that we need to rely completely on the Good Shepherd. We know that the Good Shepherd is speaking and guiding—but why is it so difficult for us to hear His voice? Our minds and hearts are often cluttered, distracted, and divided. At the beginning of His public ministry, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus revealed to us the key to tuning our inner receiver: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) What does “pure in heart” mean? When we hear the word “pure,” we often think only of avoiding impure thoughts or actions. However, spiritual purity carries a deeper and broader meaning. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that purity of heart is primarily related to our “affections”—that is, what we love and desire. A pure heart is an “undivided” heart. It does not serve two masters but remains single-minded and focused. The Catechism reminds us that the Beatitudes are meant to “purify our hearts in order to teach us to love God above all things”. (CCC 1728) Purity of heart means that God is your ultimate desire; everything else is secondary. How does this purity help us connect with God? Picture a pond: if you stir up the mud at the bottom, the water becomes cloudy, and you cannot see your reflection. But when the surface is still and the sediment settles, the water becomes clear like a mirror. When our hearts are stirred by worldly ambitions, vanity, and an unceasing desire for material things, our inner vision becomes blurred. The Beatitudes compel us to make decisive choices in the face of worldly goods. When we let go of our attachment to worldly splendour and allow the “sediment” of distractions in our hearts to settle, our affections are purified. This clarity enables us to “see God” in daily life and to establish a deep and intimate relationship with Him. In such a relationship, we no longer regard God as a distant and demanding supervisor, but as the true home of our hearts. This state of purity is the basic condition for listening to God’s voice. In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola points out that the purpose of spiritual exercises is “to rid itself of all the disordered tendencies, and, after it is rid, to seek and find the Divine Will”. (Spiritual Exercises, no. 21) These “disordered tendencies” are the noises of our self-centeredness, fears, and worldly desires. Purity of heart helps us discern the Shepherd’s voice amid other competing noises. When your heart is pure, the false promises of the “hired hand” lose their appeal. In order to shut out the noise, we must ask God for the grace to recognize our sins and to turn away from worldly and vain pursuits. St. Francis can help us walk the path of purity. By appropriating nothing for themselves, Franciscans achieved “the peak of the highest poverty,” becoming “poor in things but rich in virtues”. (Later Rule, no. 6) Such radical detachment is “purity of heart” in action. Because he possessed nothing, St. Francis was free from conflicting anxieties. The noise of the world was silenced, and he was able to hear the Shepherd’s voice with perfect clarity. Let us once again meditate on this Gospel verse: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) Reflections What is currently stirring up the “mud” in my heart? Which worldly ambitions, anxieties, or attachments are clouding the waters within me so that I cannot see God? Do I love God above all things, or am I trying to serve God while at the same time investing myself equally in worldly pursuits—such as the approval of others, a sense of achievement, pleasure, or material wealth? St. Francis warned us not to let daily work extinguish the spirit of prayer. Today, how can I fulfill my daily responsibilities without losing my inner focus on the Shepherd? Today’s Prayer Lord Jesus, You promised that the pure in heart shall see God. Yet I so often come before You with a divided heart—one clouded by attachment to worldly things, selfish ambitions, and fears. For this, I feel ashamed. Grant me the grace of true purity. Purify my affections, that I may love You above all things. Help me to cast off all distractions that disturb my spiritual life. Like St. Francis, give me the courage to detach myself from everything that competes with Your voice, so that my heart may be wholly turned toward You. Lord, quiet my heart, so that in this stillness I may see Your face and hear Your gentle call. -------------------------------------------------- The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse Theme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

    11 min
  8. [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 14 – Sheep Under the Shepherd’s Staff

    MAR 4

    [How Not to Miss God’s Voice] Day 14 – Sheep Under the Shepherd’s Staff

    “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will listen to my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd… My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:16, 27) Yesterday, we reflected on the difference between the Good Shepherd and the hired hand. Today, we turn our attention to the nature of the sheep—that is, to our own nature—and to why we are absolutely incapable of navigating the wilderness of this world on our own. In the animal kingdom, sheep are extremely vulnerable. They have no sharp teeth or claws to fend off wolves, no camouflage to hide from predators, and they have a notoriously poor sense of direction. Once a sheep wanders off, it cannot find its way home by itself; it must be “found.” Spiritually, we are exactly the same. We cannot navigate our lives on our own, because our spiritual vision is clouded by sin, and the terrain of life is filled with hidden dangers. We need the Good Shepherd. Jesus says: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) Therefore, following Him is not merely a moral choice; it is a matter of life and death. A shepherd usually carries a staff with a curved hook at the top. What is this staff for? It is not used to beat the sheep, but to guide them and to pull them back when they wander too close to the edge of a cliff. How do we recognize His staff in our lives? God’s guidance often appears as a gentle correction. It may be a sudden pang of conscience when we are about to make a selfish decision; it may be a closed door in our career that redirects us toward a better path. We must learn to love the Shepherd’s staff, trusting that when He pulls us back from what we desire, He is actually saving us from a fall. In order to perceive His guidance more keenly, we must break the bad habit of “self-reliance.” When we insist on controlling every outcome, plan every detail without prayer, and rely solely on our own intelligence, we forget who we are and imagine ourselves to be sheep pretending to play the role of shepherd. This produces anxiety and spiritual deafness. Instead, we must cultivate the habit of “spiritual discernment.” St. Ignatius of Loyola teaches us to pay attention to the “movements” of the soul. If our thoughts and decisions bring true peace, tranquility, and rest, this is a clear sign that the good spirit—the Shepherd—is guiding us. But if our thoughts bring unrest, confusion, and rob us of our original peace, that is the voice of the enemy. Developing a daily habit of silence and practicing the “Examen”—reviewing our day together with God—can help us tune our ears to His unique frequency. St. Francis of Assisi once again becomes our model. How did St. Francis become so docile to the Shepherd’s voice? He realized that when we are preoccupied with managing wealth, reputation, and possessions, our minds become so noisy that we cannot hear the Shepherd’s voice. By letting go of worldly anxieties, St. Francis acknowledged his radical dependence on God. He became a true sheep, waiting each day for the Shepherd’s provision. Today, let us stop trying to navigate this wilderness on our own. Let us lay down the illusion of independence, fully embrace our need for Him, and listen carefully for the gentle tap of His staff. Let us meditate once again on the revelation this Gospel offers us: “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will listen to my voice; and there will be one flock, one shepherd… My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:16, 27) Reflection In which areas of my life am I still pretending to be the “shepherd,” unwilling to accept that I am a “sheep” who needs to be led? Can I recall a time when God closed a door or pulled me back from something I deeply desired? Can I now see how His “staff” was protecting me at that time? St. Francis found complete dependence on God through “simplicity”. What concrete steps can I take today to simplify my life and deepen my trust in God’s providential care? Today’s Prayer Dear Lord Jesus, I confess that I often stray from the right path, relying on my limited vision and wisdom to face the many dangers of this world. Help me to embrace my dependence on You and to acknowledge You as my true Shepherd. Grant me humility, that I may sincerely accept and gladly welcome the guiding staff You use—even when it pulls me back from my selfish desires and personal ambitions. Free me from the habits and bondage of “self-reliance,” and teach me to cultivate a spirit of quiet discernment, so that I may recognize the peace You give. Through the intercession of Saint Francis, grant me the spirit of poverty, so that after clearing away the noise of the world, I may hear Your voice clearly and follow You safely into Your fold. -------------------------------------------------- The following is the “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice?” 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 YeungProject Managers: Michael Lam, Rosa TseEditors: Bonny Chan, Rosa TseEnglish and Mandarin Editors: Bonny Chan, Paul YeungCantonese Narrator: Margaret WooEnglish Narrator: “Leyton” - Murf.AIMandarin Narrator: “Natalie” - Murf.AIAudio Editors: Cyan Cheung, Margaret WooYouTube Editor: Cyan CheungGraphics: Francis Lai, Carmen Tsang, Rosa TseWebsite: Patricia YoungPodcast: Angela WongSocial Media: Clara Chang, Yollie Leung, Carmen Tsang, Rosa Tse Theme Music:"Long Distance" by Introvert Pianist https://www.youtube.com/@IntrovertPianist"Sea of Memory" by Aakash Gandhi https://www.youtube.com/@88keystoeuphoria ★ Support this podcast ★

    12 min
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Do you long to discern God’s will more clearly amid the busyness of daily life? This Lent, Fountain of Love and Life invites you to rediscover the art of listening in quiet and stillness. How to Listen? In this Lenten Retreat, we will explore practical ways to listen to God’s voice in our daily lives so that we do not miss His personal messages meant for our growth and welfare. Drawing wisdom and inspiration from the Scriptures—God’s very words to us—we will reflect on how He continues to speak into our hearts. Mentality and Lifestyle Adjustments Throughout the retreat, we will also examine the inner dispositions that help us receive His Word more openly, and learn how to strengthen our “spiritual muscles” so we become more attuned to His Voice. Not to Miss God’s Voice Through these Lenten spiritual exercises and our shared journey, our ultimate goal is to deepen our ability to discern God’s will by staying attentive to His unique messages for each of us, as we navigate our lives and seek to understand the mission He entrusts to us. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Is 55:10-11) We sincerely invite you, during the 40 days of Lent, to spend 10 minutes each day experiencing God’s presence in a new way. Join NOW* – To receive daily reflections (Monday to Saturday) from the brand new FLL Lenten online retreat “Farmer of Hearts: How Not to Miss God’s Voice” starting from Ash Wednesday (February 18). Written content will be available in traditional and simplified Chinese and English. Audio guides will be available in Cantonese, Mandarin and English. Let’s begin our Lenten Spiritual Journey together, starting on Ash Wednesday, February 18! *If you had received our Advent 2025 online retreat content through email, you do not have to register again. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@watchFLL IG: @fll.cc | Facebook: fb.com/fll.cc

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