{"id":4479,"date":"2016-10-02T10:05:16","date_gmt":"2016-10-02T14:05:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stmichaelarchangel.org\/?p=4479"},"modified":"2016-09-27T11:32:29","modified_gmt":"2016-09-27T15:32:29","slug":"reflections-on-the-scripture-readings-for-this-weekend-20161002","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stmichaelarchangel.org\/?p=4479","title":{"rendered":"Reflections on the Scripture Readings for this Weekend — 20161002"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"pentacost\"<\/a>As we bring to an end this 20th week after Pentecost, we hear Paul\u2019s words to the Galatians and the Lord\u2019s words, found in Luke\u2019s Gospel, about love of one\u2019s enemies. Paul\u2019s words set the stage for listening to the Lord\u2019s words. Paul says quite clearly, and I would add my voice to his, \u201cthe gospel I proclaim to you is no mere human invention! <\/em>The gospel that both Paul and I share with you are thoughts that can lead us to salvation.<\/p>\n

Salvation, as I know it, is coming to an understanding of what the meaning and purpose of life is. Life\u2019s meaning and purpose is captured in our Eastern spiritual concept of Theosis, <\/em>that spiritual process of becoming more like Christ – becoming the human being that God intended when He created us. The journey of this earthly life is meant to be a journey of personal transformation. With the support of God\u2019s Spirit, we are called to learn how to be truly a human being like Jesus. This can be accomplished, with God\u2019s help, by listening to the teachings of Jesus and then making every effort to live according to these teachings.<\/p>\n

So what particular teaching of Jesus do we hear in today\u2019s Gospel. Recall what Jesus taught those who listened to Him:<\/p>\n