The Gospel Life Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-gospel-life 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. 2021 Neal Tew 86052cb9-e25b-5e55-b02e-6379ed403e4e no en Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:34:40 -0400 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:16:20 -0500 https://img.transistor.fm/D5F8mdw3CMYc5fJU9Z4f9Is7ckwxMzqv0rkb9DrfoQ4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzI1NDI4LzE2MzQ4/NDMxMTEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg The Gospel Life episodic Neal Tew 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. 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. Christianity, Catholicism, contemplative prayer, Lectio Divina, monastery Neal Tew No No In the Beginning 13 13 In the Beginning full b893be8f-e70c-435c-b0e6-439ba88349b1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/691db8b5 If 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.

]]> If 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.

]]> Wed, 26 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 1484 If 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. If 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 unfold Christianity, Catholicism, contemplative prayer, Lectio Divina, monastery No The King with the Hidden Crown 12 12 The King with the Hidden Crown full 05cdd086-2fbe-471b-a134-c70a76b68f30 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ce575b9f The 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. 

]]> The 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. 

]]> Wed, 19 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 973 The 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. The 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. Christianity, Catholicism, contemplative prayer No A Conscientious Objection 11 11 A Conscientious Objection full 1c704bbc-fd34-4a4d-ab19-15924bc68cc9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/462824eb Today 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.

]]> Today 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.

]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:27:58 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 1319 Today 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. Today 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. Christianity, Catholicism, contemplative prayer, Lectio Divina, monastery No The Fig Tree's Tender Branch 10 10 The Fig Tree's Tender Branch full dcd577a0-518a-449f-b78c-efd98ce4bbd2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/35daf4b8 “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.” 

]]> “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.” 

]]> Wed, 05 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 1353 “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.” “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.” Christianity, Catholicism, contemplative prayer, spirituality No Poor Widow. Rich at Heart 9 9 Poor Widow. Rich at Heart full a93f72b4-49be-46ce-bb6e-b70dcbd594b6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac3edd42 In 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?

]]> In 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?

]]> Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:46:26 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 1012 In 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? In 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? Christianity, Spirituality, Contemplative Prayer No The Spit of the Rabbi 8 8 The Spit of the Rabbi full ce7ce2a6-9033-479c-8988-21be99c11615 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0ff5e208 What 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.

]]> What 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.

]]> Wed, 22 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 817 What 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. What 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. Christianity, Spirituality, Healing, Rabbi, Blind Man No Jesus Misquotes the Bible 7 7 Jesus Misquotes the Bible full e0b8073c-4130-4df1-91e7-55ad33219f7a https://share.transistor.fm/s/fc32535b Wouldn’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.

]]> Wouldn’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.

]]> Wed, 15 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 1107 Jesus' Take on the Greatest Commandment Jesus' Take on the Greatest Commandment Christianity, Spirituality, Jesus, Bible No The Spark of the Heart 6 6 The Spark of the Heart full 2cc8d432-2152-4107-801c-1f079441cdb0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/79125d80 What 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.

]]> What 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.

]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 977 A Blind Man's Journey to God. A Blind Man's Journey to God. Spirituality, Christianity, God No What is Lectio Divina? 5 5 What is Lectio Divina? full 28baa1b1-6210-4415-9098-f99978b21f6a https://share.transistor.fm/s/23020696 So 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.

]]> So 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.

]]> Tue, 30 Nov 2021 13:29:12 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 1542 A Method for Lay People. I spent three years living in a monastery and 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? A Method for Lay People. I spent three years living in a monastery and 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 Spiritual, monastery, monks, prayer No Winged As Eagles 4 4 Winged As Eagles full c6e35e40-3bf7-4b6e-8ef5-4dc21c45a646 https://share.transistor.fm/s/894fe5a2 Normally, 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. 

]]> Normally, 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. 

]]> Wed, 24 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 592 A Reflection on Isaiah 40:31 What would it be like to move in the Spirit the way an eagle moves in the air? A Reflection on Isaiah 40:31 What would it be like to move in the Spirit the way an eagle moves in the air? Christianity, Christian, Catholicism, spirituality, contemplative prayer No What is Your Greatest Treasure? 3 3 What is Your Greatest Treasure? full 0796af89-82c0-4a56-915e-41e620693f6b https://share.transistor.fm/s/3170f74a If you found yourself standing in the presence of a mighty prince, ready to give you a place in his kingdom, would you choose the fiefdom you already know? This is the basic drama that plays out in today’s reading from the book of Mark. Chapter 10:17-30.

]]> If you found yourself standing in the presence of a mighty prince, ready to give you a place in his kingdom, would you choose the fiefdom you already know? This is the basic drama that plays out in today’s reading from the book of Mark. Chapter 10:17-30.

]]> Fri, 19 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 707 The Drama of the Rich Young Man Mark Chapter 10:17-30. The Drama of the Rich Young Man Mark Chapter 10:17-30. Christianity, Catholicism, Spirtuality, Treasure, Riches, Book of Mark No Jesus' Sermon on Marriage 2 2 Jesus' Sermon on Marriage full a8f803b9-d3ee-4587-912a-146b9f627d9f https://share.transistor.fm/s/61e6b086 We’re all aware that Jesus calls some people into ministry or, as the Catholics would say, into religious life. But have you ever considered how Jesus looked upon married life? Actually, his vision of marriage is magnificent. Let’s dig into this question. In particular, we will reflect upon the term homo-ousios as it relates to a deeper understanding of marriage.

]]> We’re all aware that Jesus calls some people into ministry or, as the Catholics would say, into religious life. But have you ever considered how Jesus looked upon married life? Actually, his vision of marriage is magnificent. Let’s dig into this question. In particular, we will reflect upon the term homo-ousios as it relates to a deeper understanding of marriage.

]]> Sat, 13 Nov 2021 11:08:43 -0500 Neal Tew Neal Tew 883 We’re all aware that Jesus calls some people into ministry or, as the Catholics would say, into religious life. But have you ever considered how Jesus looked upon married life? Actually, his vision of marriage is magnificent. Let’s dig into this question. We’re all aware that Jesus calls some people into ministry or, as the Catholics would say, into religious life. But have you ever considered how Jesus looked upon married life? Actually, his vision of marriage is magnificent. Let’s dig into this question. Christianity, Spirituality, contemplative prayer, Catholicism, ministry, marriage No Back To The Beginning 1 1 Back To The Beginning full c7132706-ef98-40c9-a73b-9cf24e399aa3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f9caa376 I started by saying to myself: I’m just going to make a book for me and see what I think of it.

By day 4 of that process, as I dove into the images, re-crafted the copy, unearthed on apple music some chants from the monasteries where I lived, I was in a real sense transported back in time. Knees on the tile floor, ears wide open, eyes riveted on the altar, heart stilled. I was back there in the monastery – back in spirit. It was like time travel.

I now saw that the work that began there, some 26 years earlier – I’m not talking about the work on the book, I’m talking about the work in my heart – I now saw that that work had never stopped. There was a plumb line of the heart that ran from Paris to Curriere en Chartreuse, France to Monte Corona, Italy, to Boston, to Washington DC, and all the way back to Loveland, Ohio. It snapped taught and I could see the straight line. 

The message of the monks was not locked back in time, in some dusty trunk of my past life. It was outside of time. It ran beneath time, like an underground river. I just hadn’t dug deep enough to re-discover it. Until now.

 

“I have to do this,” I said to myself by Day 4. “I have to finish this.”

]]> I started by saying to myself: I’m just going to make a book for me and see what I think of it.

By day 4 of that process, as I dove into the images, re-crafted the copy, unearthed on apple music some chants from the monasteries where I lived, I was in a real sense transported back in time. Knees on the tile floor, ears wide open, eyes riveted on the altar, heart stilled. I was back there in the monastery – back in spirit. It was like time travel.

I now saw that the work that began there, some 26 years earlier – I’m not talking about the work on the book, I’m talking about the work in my heart – I now saw that that work had never stopped. There was a plumb line of the heart that ran from Paris to Curriere en Chartreuse, France to Monte Corona, Italy, to Boston, to Washington DC, and all the way back to Loveland, Ohio. It snapped taught and I could see the straight line. 

The message of the monks was not locked back in time, in some dusty trunk of my past life. It was outside of time. It ran beneath time, like an underground river. I just hadn’t dug deep enough to re-discover it. Until now.

 

“I have to do this,” I said to myself by Day 4. “I have to finish this.”

]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2021 21:28:22 -0400 Neal Tew Neal Tew 2294 Why would a Harvard grad who claims to be a writer spend 3 years in a monastery in his 20s and then wait 23 more to tell the story? This episode gives the answer: how this story came to be, why it took so long to tell it and what were my top 5 takeaways from my time with the monks. Why would a Harvard grad who claims to be a writer spend 3 years in a monastery in his 20s and then wait 23 more to tell the story? This episode gives the answer: how this story came to be, why it took so long to tell it and what were my top 5 takeaways f Christianity, Catholicism, contemplative prayer, Lectio Divina, monastery No