Podcast
The Gospel Life
Hosted by Neal Tew · EN
After graduating from Harvard College with a degree in English Literature and the Comparative Study of Religion, Neal Tew spent three years in a monastery.
The lessons he learned there - compiled in the book, The Gospel Life - continue to shape his life as husband, father and working professional. The monastic practice of Lectio Divina - prayerful meditation on Scripture - was one of the great treasures he discovered there.
In this podcast, Neal shares the fruits of this practice from the perspective of a non-monk. He hopes to encourage others to take up this ancient wisdom.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
In the Beginning
Jan 26, 202200:24:44Tap to summarizeIf you were going to tell the story of Jesus Christ, where would you begin? In an extended series that begins today we will be observing how the evangelist Mark tells the story. This is intended to be a kind of Lectio Divina in action, as the story unfolds.
Transcribe →The King with the Hidden Crown
Jan 19, 202200:16:13Tap to summarizeThe power of imperial Rome must have been an awesome thing. In today’s gospel passage we see that power stand in the presence of a power so great that even in its meekest expression, Rome appears as its subject.
Transcribe →A Conscientious Objection
Jan 11, 202200:21:59Tap to summarizeToday I deviate from my normal style of podcast to comment on the issue of COVID vaccine mandates. This is a matter that touches upon the liberty of the human conscience and I feel compelled to address it.
Transcribe →The Fig Tree's Tender Branch
Jan 5, 202200:22:33Tap to summarize“Learn a lesson from the fig tree,” Jesus said. “When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Son of Man is near, at the gates.”
Transcribe →Poor Widow. Rich at Heart
Dec 30, 202100:16:52Tap to summarizeIn what way can a widow be blessed? In today’s passages, two widows are shown to exemplify the first of the Beatitudes. How can that be?
Transcribe →The Spit of the Rabbi
Dec 22, 202100:13:37Tap to summarizeWhat kind of physician – or what kind of Rabbi - would spit on their patient's wounds in the process of healing them? The Healing of a Blind Man, in Mark Chapter 7, prompts us to ask this question. Let’s take a closer look.
Transcribe →Jesus Misquotes the Bible
Dec 15, 202100:18:27Tap to summarizeWouldn’t it be rather scandalous if Jesus were to be seen mis-quoting the Bible? Well, that’s what happens in today’s Gospel passage. Or so it seems. Let's take a closer look.
Transcribe →The Spark of the Heart
Dec 8, 202100:16:17Tap to summarizeWhat would you say to Jesus if he called you into his presence and stood there ready to listen to you? Today we hear the story of a man who received such a grace. This is the journey of a soul to God.
Transcribe →What is Lectio Divina?
Nov 30, 202100:25:42Tap to summarizeSo I spent three years living in a monastery and I wrote a book about it. One of the questions people ask me is: Monks are supposed to be the experts at prayer, right? How do monks pray? What did you learn about prayer from the monks? Well, I would say this: you don't have to be a monk to learn from and practice their method of prayer, Lectio Divina. These thoughts carve out a path for those who are interested in learning from this wise tradition.
Transcribe →Winged As Eagles
Nov 24, 202100:09:52Tap to summarizeNormally, I reflect on the readings of Sunday’s liturgy, but today a different reading has grabbed my attention. Isaiah Chapter 40. This might be my favorite chapter in all of the Old Testament. If you have never read it, from first verse to last, I invited you to schedule 10 minutes this week to do so. It’s a treasure that will reward you many times over.
Transcribe →