MEDITATE ON SCRIPTURE
AND BE TRANSFORMED

Matthew 13:18-23

But what was sown on good soil is the man who hears the message and takes it in. He it is who bears a yield of a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.
v. 23

Catholics and high churches, because of our liturgy, probably hear more of the Scriptures than any other Christian body of believers. Yet we tend to know the Scriptures less. Why? The Scriptures must be meditated on, not just read. The psalmist wrote, "Happy the man who … meditates on his law day and night." We cannot really meditate on the Scriptures unless we love the Scriptures.

SCRIPTURES ARE THE SOURCE OF WISDOM

Paul said, "All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching -- for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work." He called the Scriptures "the source of the wisdom which through faith in Jesus Christ leads to salvation." Notice that the Scriptures alone are not enough. They must be combined with faith in Jesus Christ. Then they come to life. St. Bonaventure says that the study of Scripture without the faith that comes from the Spirit will never lead us to its real meaning. Read without faith and the Scriptures remain only dead letters.

PRAY THE SCRIPTURES IN HUMILITY

Do we take the time to meditate on Scripture? If so, do we pray the Scriptures in humility, or do we study out of vanity and pride? If we pray the Scriptures as God’s personal word to us as individuals and as a church, they will affect our lives. If we really fill our mind with the Scriptures, they will transform our lives. As Sirach said, "The root of all conduct is the mind." Meditation on Scripture helps us in the "spiritual renewal of the mind," as Paul called it.

Read and pray. Then let your life be transformed.

John Michael Talbot

50th ALBUM MIXES PROVEN STYLE + FRESH ARRANGEMENTS

As I wrote last week, for my 50th album release on August 14, Billy Ray Hearn (executive producer) and Phil Perkins (co-producer and orchestrator) joined me as they had on some of my most successful recordings. In this new album we wanted to return to the sacred folk/classical music style for which I am best known and also add something fresh. Jim Gray and Kristine Wilkinson were added for this purpose.

STUNNING NEW ARRANGEMENTS

Phil and these two additional arrangers outdid themselves! Phil did some gorgeous and lush arrangements. Jim brought us some majestic and powerful arrangements for the larger orchestra, and Kristine caught the unusual tonal pieces for the smaller chamber pieces with wonderful sensitivity and skill. I am stunned by their wonderful arrangements.

SOME ARE GUITAR & VOCALS ONLY

Billy Ray also suggested keeping some of the tracks very intimate by not using any orchestra at all, but leaving them with guitar and vocals only. It was a risk, but it worked very well. The material ranges from my traditional meditative songs to more expansive and challenging material that has a more sophisticated feel. They all retain my traditional sound, but I am very pleased with the more challenging material.

Photo by Michael Gomez

MYSTERIES REVEALED
Matthew 13:10-17

I use parables when I speak to them because they look but do not see, they listen but do not hear or understand. v. 13

Did Jesus use parables to make his teaching clearer or to make it more mysterious? Most people think parables make spiritual teachings clearer and more understandable to the listener. Ironically, Jesus said here and in John that he taught in parables in order to keep the meaning obscure!

HE WHO HAS WILL BE GIVEN MORE

Both Gospels relate that Jesus personally explained the parables to the disciples. Both include the obscure saying of Jesus related to the parables, "To the man who has, more will be given until he grows rich; the man who has not will lose what little he had."

UNDERSTANDING IS BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

The apostles’ interpretation of Old Testament prophecy was not always literal; it was allegorical at best. The early church continued this approach, especially through saints like Augustine. Understanding allegorical teaching is a gift from God’s Spirit. Paul said, "No one knows what lies at the depths of God but the Spirit of God. The Spirit we have received is not the world’s spirit, but God’s Spirit … The natural man does not accept what is taught by the Spirit of God … The spiritual man … can appraise everything, though he himself can be appraised by no one."

Seek the Spirit in your life, then Jesus’ obscure teachings will become clear. Then Jesus will also say of you, "Blest are your eyes because they see and blest are your ears because they hear. I assure you, many a prophet and many a saint longed to see what you see but did not see it, to hear what you hear but did not hear it." Let us be eternally grateful that Jesus has given us his Spirit to personally teach us of the kingdom of God!

John Michael Talbot

LIVING WATER TO BE RELEASED AUGUST 14

My 50th album, Living Water, will be released next month, August 15. With it, we return to the folk/classical sacred music for which I am best known but with a fresh approach.

Recently I heard a strong word: “Do well what you do well.” The word was not to “do well what you do,” or “do what you do well.” It was to “do well what you do well.” On this recording I attempted to stay very true to that word. To help me to that end I asked my dear friends, Billy Ray Hearn and Phil Perkins to join me in the capacities they filled on some of my most successful past recordings.

Billy Ray joined me as executive producer, and Phil joined me as co-producer and orchestrator. Billy Ray wanted to bring in some great new arrangers to complement Phil’s sound that is familiar to my long-time listeners, so we brought in Jim Gray for the larger orchestra and Kristine Wilkinson for the smaller chamber pieces.

I'll write more about the resulting album next week. For now, I'll just say that I am more than pleased with the results.

Photo by Michael Gomez

EMBRACING THE CROSS
BRINGS LIFE

MATTHEW 11:28-30

My yoke is easy and my burden light. v. 30

What is the yoke and burden of Christ if not the cross?

Isaiah prophesied, “We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; but the Lord laid upon him the guilt of us all ... He surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; and he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.”

DISCIPLINE IS A BURDEN THAT BRINGS WISDOM

But how could the cross be “easy” and “light”? Sirach speaks of the burden of the discipline involved in the study of God’s wisdom: “My son, from your youth embrace discipline; Stoop your shoulders and carry her, and be not irked at her bonds … Afterward you will find rest in her, and she will become your joy." Paul spoke of personal freedom in the cross: “I have been crucified with Christ, and the life I live now is not my own; Christ is living in me.”

CRUCIFY THE FLESH - LIVE BY THE SPIRIT

Sharing in the life of Christ means sharing in the work of Christ. We are co-heirs and co-workers in bringing redemption. As Paul mystically said, “In my own flesh I fill up what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his body, the church.” He further said, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s lead.”

ACTIVELY EMBRACE THE CROSS

If we do not see the miraculous healings of the Spirit active in and through our life, perhaps it is because we do not actively embrace the cross. If we are not at rest and peace, perhaps it is because we have not yet died. If we die we will also rise. Death on the cross brings resurrection!

John Michael Talbot

iPhones & Jesus -
Technology & Morality

By John Michael Talbot – June 29, 2007
Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Well the big event has happened. The iPhone was released. And with it came the hype and crowd response that is usually seen for the Pope, or a rock star. By media standards, the release of the iPhone seemed nearly messianic. Yet it is only a piece of technology. It is not human, and it is certainly not divine.

Finally, Apple Has Done It

Don't get me wrong. I have figured out a way to actually save money by purchasing one. And many of us said many years ago that someone needed to combine a cell phone, iPod, and PDA in one device. The thought of not having to take all my electronic paraphernalia on the road when I tour seems very liberating. When the iPhone was announced earlier this year I said, "Finally, someone has done it. They have produced what everyone was asking for. You can count on Apple to pull through."

Having confessed that, let's return to the second point: technology and morality.

A Pattern of Acceptance

I remember listening to a program on NPR several years ago in which an expert stated "Technology dictates morality." However, morality does not dictate technology.This expert went on to point out that there is a pattern with all technology whereby something becomes available that was not available before. At first, some conservative people respond with outrage, and cry that it is immoral. Next comes a slow but steady, quiet acceptance by many of the technology. Lastly comes complete acceptance by society. The woman on NPR radio found this pattern to be disturbing. I know it was disturbing for me when I heard about it. But it was not terribly surprising. Think about it: Euthanasia and artificial contraception are cases in point.

Most Technology Is Neither Good Nor Evil

What the majority of Catholic moral theologians teach is that most technology is neither good nor evil. It is what we do with it that makes it good or evil. For instance, the Church has encouraged us to use the Internet for work in ministry and evangelization. But we are cautioned about the immorality that may often go with it. Beyond avoiding the obvious evils of porn on some websites, more insidious can be that little voice in our heads that tries to tell us we simply MUST have a new product or technology simply because it is NEW. Obeying that little voice within repeatedly can give birth to the sin of consumerism in our lives. From consumerism, a whole lifestyle of materialism and self indulgence can be born.

The Revolution Is Upon Us

At any rate, the iPhone is here. The revolution is upon us. What do we do? Some are decrying it as a technological devil, or an attempt by Apple to conquer the world. Who knows, some Christians might even call it the antichrist! More discerning souls are simply stepping aside from all the hype until they can discern clearly, or until this new product becomes less expensive. Some wait until the iPhone is more easily available, or until there’s time for the new product’s bugs to have been worked out. Other people are already scoping out and comparing the features on similar products, undoubtedly soon to follow.

Like others, I had to process all of this incoming information into my decision making. I can get it, and not spend more money, I reasoned. It is cutting edge, and represents the future of cell phones, iPods, and PDAs. Plus, I tour four times a year, and the simpler I can keep my "gadgets," the smoother my traveling experience becomes. If I was just home in the monastery all the time, I rationalized, I would not buy this. If I had to spend a lot of extra money, I would probably not get it. But the traveling reality is a big factor for me at this point in my life. Truth be known, if I could get by easily without a laptop computer and its accessories, I would do it in a heartbeat.

In the end I cannot help but wonder: Would this many people come out to see Jesus? If he walked among us, would people stand in line and go to all efforts to hear his "latest release?" Maybe so. But He shows up at every Mass through Word, sacrament, and the people of God, the Scripture, the Eucharist, and the Church. Yet I seriously doubt that we would have lines with hundreds waiting with such anticipation to get in the doors of our local parish. Certainly for the Pope, who draws millions to his live appearances, many would wait in line; maybe for the Bishop at a big conference, or even for one of my concerts (though a much shorter line!). It seems an almost silly question, but it is worth asking. What is more important: Jesus or the iPhone? I must admit that in my weak and faithless moments, I just might choose the iPhone, or some other gadget our culture tells me I simply MUST have.

Use It Wisely and Well

So for you Christian gadget guys and girls out there, use technology, but use it wisely and well. Most especially, do not let technology dictate your morality or ethics. Let God do that through the Word, the Sacraments, and the Church. Then we are far less likely to get sucked into a false messianic mania over a mere technological device.

Photos by duncandavidson

RETURN TO ACOUSTIC FOLK / CLASSICAL STYLE

Through the years I have recorded many diverse styles of music, ranging from contemporary to choral to folk/classical sacred music. I enjoy them all. However, my best received recordings have been those of sacred music in an acoustic folk/classical style that facilitates worship and quiet meditation. On my newest album, Living Water, to be released August 14, we return to that style but with a fresh approach. (I'll write more on that next week.)

This is my 50th original recording. I never set out to record this many albums. It seems like yesterday that I was working on my most popular albums in the 1970s and 80s.

I am grateful to God and to those who have helped me reach this milestone.

Photo by Michael Gomez

DON'T BE TOO PROUD TO ASK
Matthew 9:18-26

If only I can touch his cloak . . . I shall get well. . . .
Courage, daughter! Your faith has restored you to health. V. 21-22

This woman had been sick with a hemorrhage for twelve years and had tried everything, yet could not be healed. There are many people today in similar circumstances. In today’s society, cancer and AIDS come to mind.

HUMBLY ASK FOR A MIRACLE

I had a friend with cancer who had tried everything and was going to die. She wept peacefully as she told me she had made a personal inventory of her life and had asked forgiveness from God for all her sins. She had humbly reconciled with everyone possible and she was ready to meet God. Yet she still asked Him for healing, like the woman in today's gospel. She was not too proud to ask God for a miracle.

Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane was facing the cross; he knew he was going to die. Yet he was not too proud to ask his Father for deliverance. He said, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Still, let it be as you would have it, not as I.” Jesus went on to die. Yet it was okay for him to ask for deliverance. If it was okay for Jesus, it is okay for us.

FACE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS WITH FAITH

Jesus healed the woman with the hemorrhage. In the case of Jesus, he went on to die. Yet it was the death on the cross itself that caused the greater healing: “Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it produces no fruit.” My friend died and is with Jesus now. Her life is a frequent reminder to me of faith, for she kept her faith in the stark face of death.

Do we face our difficult and hopeless situations with such faith? Are we too proud to ask for what we need from God? If we face death with faith, it becomes the doorway to eternal life.

John Michael Talbot

HAVE FAITH & THANK GOD IN TRIALS

Matthew 8:23-27

Lord, save us! We are lost!"... "Where is your courage? How little faith you have! V. 25, 26

It's easy to go with Jesus in the boat when there is smooth sailing, but it is more difficult when the waters are rough.

HAVE FULLY EXPECTANT FAITH

Jesus called us to a fully expectant faith, when he said, "If you are ready to believe that you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer, it shall be done for you." He also said, "I solemnly assure you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and has no inner doubts, but believes that what he says will happen, shall have it done for him."

WE BECOME WHAT WE THINK

Jesus also said, "The mouth speaks whatever fills the mind." In a sense you could say we "visualize" something into existence before we ask for it in prayer. Scripture says, "Whatever you think you will become."

ACCEPT TRIALS IN FAITH

In today's gospel the disciples went with Jesus in the boat, but the storm waves rose up anyway! What do we do after we step out in faith and our peace doesn't come? Paul wrote, "We know that God makes all things work together for the good." It takes great faith to believe that even the storm waves work for good. We look into the world and see great trouble and tragedy. We see suffering and pain, hunger, war, and the ever-present threat of technological holocaust. It is hard to thank God for such things! It is hard to have such accepting faith!

To not be alarmed, we must have a faith that believes that "all things work together for the good"? It is such faith that allowed Paul to "thank God always and for everything." It is this trust that caused Jesus to be "sleeping soundly" in the midst of the storm. It was the disciples' lack of such faith that caused them to cry out, "We are lost!"

FACE STORMS WITH FAITH

It wasn't wrong for the disciples to ask for help; but their alarm, their lack of faith, was what was wrong. Let us ask for a miracle in expectant faith, but let us peacefully accept the crosses that come our way. The crosses are given to us as a grace that brings us to resurrection!

Today let us face the storms of our life with true and calm faith.

John Michael Talbot

ONLY IN GOD



This film is from a concert given in Florida.

My next album, Living Water, to be released in August, will also be done in a solo meditative style.