Posted by Paul Edwards (Fr. Paul) on Sep 08, 2014 | Comments (0)


Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost Bottom Line Meditations

Unlocking the Gospel Secrets of Spirituality

Discover what difference reading these scriptures while Thinking Legalism or Feeling Grace can make.

The Grace Language of Jesus

SPIRITUALITY CAN CHANGE OUR LIFE

Jesus spoke a foreign language. He took literal words the legalist understood and gave them a new spiritual meaning.

Not sure how to apply these? Click here to read the introductory text for the new Bottom Line Meditations

OLD TESTAMENT: Exodus 16:2-15

Literal Religion: Understands “manna” as “physical”.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ for they did not know what it was.”

Spiritual Grace: Understands that Jesus told them what it is: His Spirit.

Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.

“When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ for they did not know what it was.”

Did you feel the Grace?

By the time you learn the rules of legalism, you're too old to play the game!

PSALM: 105:1-6, 37-45

Literal Religion: Seeks the Presence of the Lord rationally in the head but not spiritually.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“Seek the LORD spiritually and his strength; consciously seek his Presence continually.”

Spiritual Grace: Seek the Lord spiritually by consciously opening their heart to His Presence.

Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.

“Seek the LORD spiritually and his strength; consciously seek his Presence continually.”

Did you feel the Grace?

The probability of legalism watching you is proportional to the stupidity of your action!

EPISTLE: Philippians 1:21-30

Literal Religion: Life and death are physical.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.”

Spiritual Grace: Life and death are spiritual.

Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.

“For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain.”

Did you feel the Grace?

If grace agrees with legalism they would both be wrong!

GOSPEL: Matthew 20:1-16

Literal Religion: Tries to earn the right to be first.

Read this scripture literally for its religious meaning.

“So the last will earn the right to be first, and the first will be last.”

Spiritual Grace: Spirituality makes everyone first.

Now quietly move into God's Presence and read this scripture again.

“So the last will earn the right to be first, and the first will be last.”

Did you feel the Grace?

Legalists appear bright until you hear them speak!

Share your insights in the comments below

For further study see the follow on Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Meditation.


Comments (0)







Allowed tags: <b><i><br>Add a new comment:


Copyright 2008-2011 Paul Edwards