Emmaus Community and Service

For me, to be in a community in Christ is really significant for my spiritual life.

I was in Catholic school since my kindergarten until primary school. In school, I learned about the events on the bible, which I find are fascinating. The exams were not easy too, though. I learned the stories, but going to church at that time feels more like a responsibility for me. I stand, sit, kneel and sing like all do, but deep down, I was like following the religion blindly.

My first community is during my high school period. It was a Christian community, not a Catholic community. I went for the retreat and youth services too. I learned to worship and praise God and to feel His presence.

As I come to Singapore, I am more than grateful to find a Catholic community that is very welcoming me. It is similar from the Christian’s one, but I feel complete here. In the community I learn how to appreciate Catholic mass: how it is sacred and that God Himself is there. It is not merely a ritual. I also learn to do adoration and silent time for God. That way, I can feel being closer to Him and be still.

I am growing more into Christ; meet people that are filled by the Spirit of God. Their acts always remind me to be more like Christ. Even when we go out to have fun, I can still find Christ among us. I don’t have to fake myself to get people to like me and this community is becoming like a family to me and a part of me. If someday I let go of it, it will be different, I may draw back and get further from God. May be it is not good as it means I rely my faith more on community and less on God Himself. But I think human are made like this. God created Eve to accompany Adam and then they become a community.

In this community, I can also do service. I feel that I can put what I can do to serve my community and the Lord, with or without talent. I am in several ministries already.  Last week’s praise and worship session was my first time serving as a keyboardist. I want to give thanks to God for guiding me. I confess that it was quite a tough journey for me until I reached there. Unlike most musicians, I do not really have the talent. Even my piano teacher told me: “you do not have so much talent in piano, but you are diligent.” Can I take that as a constructive comment, a complement or …? Another proof is when I did my grade 7 piano classic practical exam after my grade 6 exam, while my friend could do grade 8 exam after grade 6 exam. I felt that piano is really not my field, or even music. I can’t always listen to it like most people do and I hardly give an effort to look for the newest music in internet and download it. I will just listen to what music people are playing.

I almost want to give up my piano skill. It is depressing enough. But I felt if I left it, I will waste my ages learning it. I ask God to lead me and what He wants me to do. As I was now in a prayer group, I felt I can do something for it. I want to use my skill to serve as much as I can. So, during my long school holiday, I gave myself a chance to learn piano pop so that I can play keyboard during praise and worship time. I hope that what I do is not merely for proving myself that I’m not useless or something like that. I wish I can play with heart to serve my community and the Lord. I wish to grow more. 