Feeding on the Word of God - SURRENDER

What does it mean for us to surrender our lives to God?

Mark 10:17-22

Jesus was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, 'Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You must not kill; You must not commit adultery; You must not steal; You must not bring false witness; You must not defraud; Honour your father and mother.' And he said to him, 'Master, I have kept all these from my earliest days.' Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, 'There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.' But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

The young man thought he could do something to secure his place in heaven, something within his means and comfort level.  He wants the kingdom of heaven but he wants to achieve it on his own strength. But Jesus is asking him to rely on God, to stop 'doing' and start 'being'. It is not what he needs to do, but where he needs to be: following Jesus. Like the young man, we have our 'riches': a job; a steady income; a car; savings plans; career plans; clothes; gadgets; etc. These give us our security, and then we think about serving God. 

Fr Ron Rolheiser tells us that we are missing the point: "What God wants from us is not a million acts of virtue, but a million acts of surrender, culminating in one massive surrender of soul, mind, and body... And that is the key, salvation can only be given us. It can never be taken, earned, or possessed by right... What tips God’s hands is helplessness, surrender in grace... I suspect that all of us understand part of this: No amount of material or physical wealth will give us heaven. However, what Jesus is saying, and what is harder for us to grasp, is that no amount of virtue, either, will give us heaven. Heaven is given us not for anything we possess but when we surrender everything we possess." 

("The Way of Surrender", 31 July 1997)

Reflection: 

• In what areas of my life do I depend on my own strength? Why?

• Am I able to drop what I have at an instant and follow God, if he calls? Am I able to hear his voice?

Romans 12:2

Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.

It is my heart that needs to be changed first. Surrendering to God is not a one-off event; it is a daily conversion exercise. It is changing my behaviour, gradually, not always successfully, sometimes regressing or off-track, but surely looking towards Jesus. 

Thomas Merton wrote, "We are not converted only once in our lives but many times, and this endless series of large and small conversions, inner revolutions, leads to our transformation in Christ."

Reflection: 

• When are the times when I am inclined to follow the world?

Matthew 26:39

And going on a little further he fell on his face and prayed. 'My Father,' he said, 'if it is possible, let this cup pass me by. Nevertheless, let it be as you, not I, would have it.'

Jesus acknowledges his fears before his Father. He does not try to suppress nor deny these, but prays for the strength to do his Father's will. His heart is with his Father first and foremost. We also need to first come to terms with ourselves and our sinfulness. We cannot surrender to God what we do not have. Neither will we find fulfillment through merely 'using our gifts and talents'.

Surrender to God does not equate to doing nothing. On Wednesday, we read about the selection of Matthias (Acts 1:21-26) where Peter laid out some criteria for selection of Judas' replacement, and names were nominated. What is important for us to note is that the community then went into prayer and then cast lots for the selection, leaving the final decision to God. We still need to take an active role in our spiritual life, but only because we desire to grow closer to God. At the end, we still need to be obedient to God, to find our freedom (Pope Francis, 11 April 2013).

Reflection: 

• How do I pray in the face of difficulty? What is it that I ask God for?

Have a blessed week ahead!

Emmaus Walk E-Bulletin (4th Sunday of Easter)

Hello Walkers! This week we celebrated the 4th Sunday of Easter! Let us continue to hope and be joyful for we are an Easter people who have a Risen Lord! 

#Happenings (Come Join Us!)   

STAY ALIVE!!! 

• Yes! Project STAY has returned with a brand new name! Come and join us for a spirit-filled time of silence, prayer and adoration!
• We are beginning a new series entitled "Praying with Saint Paul"! Let us grow together in love for Scripture and God! 
• Tuesday 20 May from 830pm to 930pm at the Prayer Room!

CG Sharings

• We will be having a time of breaking and sharing the word this week!
• Come armed with your journals, an open heart and your precious bibles! THE LORD IS WAITING TO MEET YOU IN HIS WORD!
• Sunday 18 May from 230pm to 5pm at C2-2!

#Spiritual Food 

• Do look out for this week's "FEEDING ON THE WORD OF GOD" reflection on Surrender! You can read it through email, facebook or on our blog! (http://ouremmauswalk.blogspot.sg/)
• Have a read of this article about the "Three doors we need to open if we want to know Jesus" - http://www.news.va/en/news/the-popes-mass-at-santa-marta-three-doors
• Here's a teaser: Indeed, Pope Francis said, “knowing Jesus is our life’s most important work”, also because in coming to know him we come to know the Father... The Pope then pointed out three doors we need to open if we want to know Jesus - prayer, celebration and imitation..." 

#Cool things happening in the Catholic Church

• It is indeed encouraging to see how people all over the world are actively using technology to make the Church known! 
• Ever wondered how Saints are canonized? Let this awesome video show you! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUGRdpRJWYA

Feeding on the Word of God - THE ACTS OF APOSTLES

And He said to them, ‘So you see how it was written that Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.’ (Luke 24:46-48)

Beloved Walkers,
Since we are in the season of Easter, the first reading at Mass is taken from the Acts of the Apostles. Let us examine some of the lessons from this book.

(Acts 4: 29-31)
And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and help your servants to proclaim your messagewith all boldness, by stretching out your hand to heal, and to work miracles and marvels through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” As they prayed, the place where they were assembled rocked; they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim the word of God boldly. 

When the Apostles returned to Jerusalem to begin preaching the Good News, they are immediately persecuted by the Sanhedrin. But they began to pray for the Holy Spirit that they may preach the Good News boldly. It is no surprise that we will face opposition and even threats when proclaiming the Good News. We too must ask for the Holy Spirit to be given to us. God is waiting to use us to achieve great works and miracles.

Reflection:

• Have I realized that I can be God’s instrument in the name of Christ?
• Do I ask for the courage to carry on the mission? Even in the face of dangers, shame or mockery?

"If we do not risk anything for God we will never do anything great for Him." St Louis Marie de Montfort, Priest and Confessor, Feast Day 28 April

(Acts 4:32-33)
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favour was accorded them all. 

The early Christian community shared their possessions and gifts. As a community we do the best we can to render material aid to our brothers and sisters who are in need. Our generosity is not limited to possessions and wealth, but also gifts and talents. We bear witness to the Risen Lord when we are faithful in sharing what we have for the mutual edification of all.

Reflection:

• When was the last time I was able to help someone or a community member in need?
• What am I willing to offer my community?
• Generosity does not come easily but it must be prayed for. Pray for this grace!

“You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love.” St Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church, Feast Day 29 April

(Acts 4:29, 32)
But Peter and the Apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men …..We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” 

The Apostles refused to stop preaching the name of Jesus even though they were threatened by the Sandedrin. Learning from their example we must be faithful to our daily occupation and state of life. We must do our best to work honestly and be fair in our dealings with our colleagues, subordinates and customers. Never stop doing what is right.

Reflection:

• Do I try to live out the values of my faith bravely at work or at school?
• Am I diligent at my occupation or studies? Do I realize that God is calling me to work in the ‘here-and-now’, thus sowing the seeds for eternity?

 “Saint Joseph worked faithfully as a carpenter; he shines as an example to all workmen, alleluia.” Benedictus antiphon, St Joseph the Worker, Feast Day 1 May

(Acts 5: 38-42)
"For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him. After recalling the Apostles, they had them flogged, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And all day long, both at the temple and in their homes, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the Christ, Jesus.” 

The community is not merely sustained alone by human hands but by God’s. If it is God’s work, it will carry on somehow. If we have discerned likewise, then we must also have trust in divine providence to continue ‘teaching and proclaiming the Christ’ in spite of the obstacles.

Reflection:

·         As I look in awe at the Acts carried out by the Apostles, do I contemplate carrying out my own Acts? Have I realized that it is not I who work but Christ who works in me?

·         What are some of the ways we can imitate the Apostles in living out our new life in Christ?

“But for the searching and right understanding of the Scriptures there is need of a good life and a pure soul, and for Christian virtue to guide the mind to grasp, so far as human nature can, the truth concerning God the Word. One cannot possibly understand the teaching of the saints unless one has a pure mind and is trying to imitate their life. Anyone who wants to look at sunlight naturally wipes his eye clear first, in order to make, at any rate, some approximation to the purity of that on which he looks; and a person wishing to see a city or country goes to the place in order to do so. Similarly, anyone who wishes to understand the mind of the sacred writers must first cleanse his own life, and approach the saints by copying their deeds. Thus united to them in the fellowship of life, he will both understand the things revealed to them by God and, thenceforth escaping the peril that threatens sinners in the judgment, will receive that which is laid up for the saints in the kingdom of heaven. Of that reward it is written: "Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared" for them that live a godly life and love the God and Father in Christ Jesus our Lord, through Whom and with Whom be to the Father Himself, with the Son Himself, in the Holy Spirit, honor and might and glory to ages of ages. Amen. “ 57, On the Incarnation of the Word, St Athanasius of Alexandria, Confessor and Doctor of the Church, Feast Day 2 May

Feeding on the Word of God - The Walk to Emmaus

“They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32)

Beloved Walkers,
This week we take a Walk with the two disciples on their way to Emmaus.

“Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking together about all that had happened. Now as they talked this over, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but something prevented them from recognising him.”  (Luke 24:13-16)

We notice how carefully Luke uses the verbs: “see” and “recognise”. The evangelist, in fact, wishes to show us that after his resurrection Jesus can no longer be “seen” with the eyes of the body; he had gone from this world to the Father, and this new world evades our senses. It is only with new vision, this light of faith that we “recognise” him present and active in us and around us.

Reflection:

• When was the last time you “recognized” Jesus present and active in and around you? 
• In what ways is Jesus truly present and alive in your daily life which only eyes of faith can “see”?

“(Jesus) said to them, ‘What matters are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped short, their faces downcast. Then one of them, called Cleopas, answered him, ‘You must be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days.’ ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘All about Jesus of Nazareth’ they answered ‘who proved he was a great prophet by the things he said and did in the sight of God and of the whole people; and how our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free. And this is not all: two whole days have gone by since it all happened; and some women from our group have astounded us: they went to the tomb in the early morning, and when they did not find the body, they came back to tell us they had seen a vision of angels who declared he was alive. Some of our friends went to the tomb and found everything exactly as the women had reported, but of him they saw nothing.’” (Luke 24:17-24)

These two disciples were merely going home to return to their work, after their hopes had been crushed. We are accustomed to call them the pilgrims of Emmaus. Cleopas and his companion were pilgrims since they followed Jesus, thinking that he would redeem Israel. In the end, there was only the death of Jesus. This is the moment when Jesus becomes present and teaches them that one does not enter the Kingdom without passing through death.

Reflection:

• What hopes did I once have in Christ Jesus which may now be crushed or slipping away?
• What kind of “death” may I need to go in order to enter the Kingdom and have my hopes fulfilled by Christ?

“Then he said to them, ‘You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?’ Then, starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the passages throughout the scriptures that were about himself. When they drew near to the village to which they were going, he made as if to go on; but they pressed him to stay with them. ‘It is nearly evening’ they said ‘and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them.” (Luke 24:25-30)

Jesus invites them to pass from Israel’s faith or hope in a happy future for the whole nation, to faith in his very person, accepting the mystery of his rejection and his Passion. In his first biblical lesson, Jesus taught them that the Messiah had to suffer.

Something similar happens to believers now when we often complain and show our impatience. Yet Jesus did not leave us alone. He has not risen in order to sit in heaven; he is ahead of humanity on pilgrimage and draws us toward that final day when he will come to meet us. At the same time, he walks with us, and when our hopes are dashed, it is the moment when we discover the meaning of Resurrection.

Thus the church does for us what Jesus did for the two disciples. First, it gives us the ‘interpretation of Scripture’: what matters in our efforts to understand the Bible is not to know many passages by heart, but to discover the thread connecting various events and to understand God’s plan concerning people.

Then, the Church also celebrates the Eucharist. Notice how Luke says: he took bread, said a blessing, broke it and gave it; these same four words were used among believers to speak of the Eucharist. We can come close to Jesus in conversation and meditating on his word; we find him present in our fraternal meetings, but he makes himself known in a different way when we share the bread which is his body.

Reflection:

• What efforts am I taking to allow the Word of God to speak to me and teach me about God’s plans for me and my life?
• How can I prepare myself better before each Eucharistic Celebration that I participate in so as to better dispose myself to encountering the Real Presence of Jesus in a deep and meaningful way?

“And their eyes were opened and they recognised him; but he had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us? They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions, who said to them, ‘Yes, it is true. The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread.” (Luke 24:31-35)

Perhaps Jesus looked different as we see in John 20:14. This is what Mark says in 16:12. Luke also wants us to understand that the same people, whose eyes could not recognise Jesus, will see him when they come to believe.

Reflection:

• When was the last time my heart was burning within me?
• How am I setting out to bear witness to the Risen Lord in my daily life? (For a practical way of doing this, check out Easter Project 2014: GO! at https://www.facebook.com/events/429202113889179/)  

Emmaus Walk E-Bulletin (Easter Sunday)

~ EMMAUS WALK ~

Hello Walkers! This week we celebrated Easter Sunday! We rejoice for our Lord has conquered the grave and has risen! 

#Spiritual Food 

• This week's "FEEDING ON THE WORD OF GOD" topic is The Walk to Emmaus! Do look out for the email or read it on our facebook page! 
• Have a read of this great article entitled, "Resurrection pours 'fresh hope' on the world, Pope reflects" - http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/resurrection-pours-fresh-hope-on-the-world-pope-reflects/ 
• Here's a teaser: "Pope Francis also noted how the Gospel account shows three examples “of a life-changing encounter with the Risen Lord” which all invite us to the same experience. Like Thomas, we need to grasp the reality of Christ's rising to new life, like Mary Magdalene, we need to hear Jesus' voice calling our name, an like the travelers on the road to Emmaus, we need to find renewed joy and hope by recognizing that the Lord is ever at our side.”

#Cool things happening in the Catholic Church

• Two of our Holy Fathers will soon be getting canonized! This is first time in history that two popes are getting canonized together! 
• We thank the Lord for the gift of Pope John and Pope John Paul - for them being true witnesses of the gospel, as well as being salt and light to the earth in their lifetime. 

#Happenings (Come Join Us!)   

EW In-Conversation 

• This Sunday, we will be having a time of recollection and discernment for our EW community
• All are invited and strongly encouraged to come! Your input and insights are very important for our community!  
• Sunday 27 April from 230pm to 5pm at C2-2!

#Updates 

Easter Celebration

• Last Sunday, we had a most wonderful time of worship and fellowship
• Thank you God for blessing us with shelter, food and companionship in our lives here on earth - we are all indeed very blessed!

Emmaus Walk E-Bulletin (Holy Week)

Hello Walkers! This week we celebrated Holy Week! Let us anticipate and rejoice together for Christ is to be Risen from the dead and conquer the power of sin and death!

#Spiritual Food 

• This week's "FEEDING ON THE WORD OF GOD" topic is The Resurrection! Do look out for the email or read it on our facebook page!

• Have a read of this great article entitled, "Kiss a crucifix in Holy Week, urges Pope Francis at general audience" - http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2014/04/16/kiss-a-crucifix-in-holy-week-urges-pope-francis/ - Here's a teaser: Jesus’s Resurrection “isn’t the happy ending of a beautiful fairytale, it isn’t the happy ending of a film”, but is the result of the loving intervention of God, who wanted to give humanity hope and salvation, Pope Francis said.

• Find out more about the Holy Father's teachings on the Resurrection in our daily lives here! - https://www.catholic.org/news/international/europe/story.php?id=50471

#Cool things happening in the Catholic Church

• Pope Francis washes the feet of 12 disabled men and women during Holy Thursday Mass to remind us all that we are all called to a live of service - http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Blog/3077/francis_washes_the_feet_of_12_disabled_men_and_women_during_holy_thursday_mass.aspx

#Happenings (Come Join Us!)  
 
EASTER CELEBRATION

• This Sunday, we will be having our very own EASTER CELEBRATION! Do come and join us for a spirit-filled and fun-filled time of worship, games, activities and more surprises!!! Please feel free to bring your friends! 

• Please not the change in the starting time for EW just for this week!

• Sunday 20 April from 130pm to 4pm at C2-2!

#Updates 

Lenten Sharings

• Last Sunday, we reflected on the Passion of Christ. Which character do we identify with in the Gospel passage? The tired disciples, the betrayer Judas who fell into despair, the passionate but floundering Peter or the on-lookers who witnessed Jesus dying? 

STAY Project: The LAST WORDS of Jesus

• On Tuesday during adoration, we reflected on a scriptural reading about the SIXTH & SEVENTH LAST WORDS of Jesus - “It is finished!” (John 19:30) & “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46)

• We had a most powerful time of meditating on the climax of Jesus' passion. Our Lord was fully obedient to the Father even at the point of death. Such faith and trust in God, in spite of our human circumstances is what we are called to. With Jesus as our model and guide, we strive towards this with great hope! 

• Find out more about STAY and how the GREAT method of prayer works at Brother Nicholas Lye's blog - http://awalkwithyou.blogspot.sg/p/project-stay.html 

That's all folks! See you on Sunday! 

Feeding on the Word of God - The Resurrection!

“He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third he rose again from the dead” 

Beloved Walkers, 

As we have passed through the gate of Jerusalem, let us follow our Lord deeper into his Passion and finally arrive at his glorious Resurrection.

Holy Thursday

“I have longed to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.”

•  Do we draw strength from receiving the Holy Eucharist worthily, in order to face the challenges of living our vocation?

If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet.

• Having been fed by Our Lord with His own flesh and blood, am I ready to serve others humbly to the best of my ability?

"Could you not, then, watch one hour with me?" (Matt 26:40)

• Am I faithful in prayer? Especially in times of distress? Though I am tired and weary?

“Now, his years of life perfected,

Our atonement’s price to be,

By the doom long since elected,

Bound and nailed to set us free,

Christ, our Victim, hangs rejected

On the cross of Calvary.”

Good Friday

“My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!”

• Do we realize that it is our sins and ingratitude that have put Jesus on the Cross?

“Jesus Christ showed his love for us and freed us from our sins with his life’s blood.”

•  Jesus was willing to make that sacrifice for our redemption. Am I prepared to make sacrifices for the people we are called to love?

When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.”

• Has there been a time in my life when I was forced to endure a bad situation and an even worse ending?

And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.

• Do I realize that in the moment of surrender to God, I found peace and rest?

Holy Saturday

“I was dead and now I am to live for ever and ever, and I hold keys of death and of hell.”

• In spite of my many faults, do I look forward in hope that God will use me to fulfil His plan?

“O happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a Redeemer! O truly blessed night, worthy alone to know the time and hour when Christ rose from the underworld!”

• All things happen in God’s time. Do I ask for the grace of Patience in awaiting the time when He will save me?

Easter Sunday

“Christ, my hope, has risen: He goes before you into Galilee.”

• Having witnessed the joy of the resurrection, are we eager to go to Galilee to receive our mission from the Lord?

That Christ is truly risen from the dead we know.
Victorious King, Thy mercy show!
Amen. Alleluia.

We wish one and all a very happy and blessed Easter!