A Contemplative reading of the Lectionary Gospel Text Luke 16:19-21 for Sunday 28th September, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost and 15th Sunday after Trinity or Proper 26 in the Season of Creation.
This is a beautiful interpretation of this parable, so artfully crafted as you have said. Yes, the chasm between our spirit and ego is wide… and Christ is the bridge upon which we walk into a life of love and compassion for ALL. Thank you for this message.
You explain such traditionally "scary" texts so thoughtfully that helps me see other passages more clearly. Your explainations of contemplative interpretation makes me feel so much more in tune with the Bible as a whole, and that brings communion as well. Thank you.
I'm amazed when other contemplatives have so much to say about the "condition" of contemplation. I find it difficult to find words for it. I hope you have subscribed to my posts.
Thank you, Ian. I’m old now and have been following Jesus for many years. Only after 20 years of practising John Main’s prayer of the heart have I begun to understand the truths of this parable you have pointed out. I’ve always known that the person before me was in God’s image and that I should ‘share my wealth’ and ‘care for the poor’. However, now I realise that the command to love God, love my neighbour and self is one that cannot be fulfilled by loving each three separately but on by loving God-other-self in union constantly. This union only comes through prayer, and without attention to the continuous sound of the prayer of the Jesus in my heart, Jesus’ command to love becomes an overwhelming, unachievable obligation. I know this burden, as for the rich man, will eventually crush me. With the Jesus' Prayer in me, there is a small beginning in the conversion of love I need, but it’s a 'life' that I tend twice a day for 30 minutes so that it will grow stronger. You are a true son of Chrysostom.
Power call to contemplation, particularly and especially now in times that can feel so dark and overwhelming. Thank you.
Thanks Julia.
This is a beautiful interpretation of this parable, so artfully crafted as you have said. Yes, the chasm between our spirit and ego is wide… and Christ is the bridge upon which we walk into a life of love and compassion for ALL. Thank you for this message.
Thanks Korie really appreciate your encouragement
You explain such traditionally "scary" texts so thoughtfully that helps me see other passages more clearly. Your explainations of contemplative interpretation makes me feel so much more in tune with the Bible as a whole, and that brings communion as well. Thank you.
I am writing in the depths of night and can't find a way to edit my errors - forgive 😊😊
I'm amazed when other contemplatives have so much to say about the "condition" of contemplation. I find it difficult to find words for it. I hope you have subscribed to my posts.
Thank you, Ian. I’m old now and have been following Jesus for many years. Only after 20 years of practising John Main’s prayer of the heart have I begun to understand the truths of this parable you have pointed out. I’ve always known that the person before me was in God’s image and that I should ‘share my wealth’ and ‘care for the poor’. However, now I realise that the command to love God, love my neighbour and self is one that cannot be fulfilled by loving each three separately but on by loving God-other-self in union constantly. This union only comes through prayer, and without attention to the continuous sound of the prayer of the Jesus in my heart, Jesus’ command to love becomes an overwhelming, unachievable obligation. I know this burden, as for the rich man, will eventually crush me. With the Jesus' Prayer in me, there is a small beginning in the conversion of love I need, but it’s a 'life' that I tend twice a day for 30 minutes so that it will grow stronger. You are a true son of Chrysostom.