<平信徒圣经避静：英语>

"In Jesus' Steps" (A Biblical Retreat for Laity)

Greetings of peace and love of our Risen Lord.

We are glad to inform you that the Archdiocesan Pastoral Institute (API) will be organizing a biblical retreat for the laity with the theme: "In Jesus' Steps" which will be directed by Fr. Jean L'Hour
from 26 – 28 September 2008.

Fr L'Hour is a MEP Priest who completed his biblical studies in Rome and Jerusalem was a former lecturer of College General Major Seminary, Penang from 1961 till 1973.

This three-day retreat aims to help the laity have a deeper understanding of what it means to follow in the footsteps of Jesus through the Word of God. By His word and example, Jesus formed his disciples to be authentic disciples. This retreat will assist the laity to reflect on the Word, to allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives, and put into practice the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.

Outline of the Retreat:

Talk 1
A 'retreat' : Why should we make a retreat?
What are we to retreat from?
What for: what do we expect to gain? How?
Our road book for this retreat : walking in Jesus' footsteps, letting
ourselves be evangelized anew.

Talk 2
In the desert with Israel, John the Baptist and Jesus.
Israel and Church born in the desert, away from everything and in touch with
the basics of human condition.

Talk 3
Tests and Temptations: craving for riches, for power and domination,
for a hold on God.

Talk 4
The Good News of the Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God as 'the world according to God'.
It is News, and a good one, yet opposed to the world values.

Talk 5
Called by Jesus to follow him.
A free and urgent call to discipleship, ever renewed, ever seeking a response.

Talk 6
Jesus' company: the poor, the children, the outlaws, the foreigners.
Jesus in the society of his time.

Talk 7
Love as the 'Law' of the Kingdom.
Love of God and neighbour, love of enemies.
The ultimate judgment on our lives.

Talk 8
The Charter of the Kingdom: The sermon on the Mount.
The values of the Kingdom vs those of the world.

Talk 9
Opponents to Jesus and to the Kingdom: those who know and those who hold power in every area, including religion.
Our own internal oppositions to the Kingdom.

Talk 10
The disciples' long march to faith and freedom.
Their expectations, disappointments, fears, lack of faith, denials.

Talk 11
Discipleship: its requirements.
Not a status, but a way of life.
A companionship with Jesus.
In the world but not of the world.
A mission : proclaiming the Good News.

Talk 12
Jesus and his Father.
His and our prayer.
Who and what is 'God' to Jesus?