11/8/11 Focus on Mt. 16-18

MATTHEW 16-18 

 It seems to me that we could consider the book of Matthew as a “survey course” through the whole of the teachings of NTI. All the basic themes are introduced and all will be explored at more depth in later chapters. Matthew gives us a “taste” of each of these which leaves me hungering for more. 

Chapter 16 is a good example of how Matthew covers many points in a small amount of space: death and the world are not real; be committed and diligent in your search; face your fear and doubt, let it rise up to be released; there is no such thing as separateness; willingness is the key; the Holy Spirit’s work cannot fail; the Christ is within; you must choose what you focus on.

The following is a short list of comparative choices we have as described in NTI: 

Love and fear 

Light and darkness 

Willingness and resistance 

Life and death 

Awake and asleep 

Aware and unconscious 

Purpose: Heart or world 

Truth and illusion 

Oneness and separateness 

Healed and unhealed 

Real and unreal 

A very simple question from NTI sums up most of our work. What do you choose to focus on? (Luke 4(14-30) 3-6

In Mt. 16(25) we are told that nothing on the right side of that chart is real or true! 

Chapter 16 Everything we see is a symbol. (for those of you who are very adventurous you might want to check out what is called Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, which gives a fascinating description of the world we think we see). We are cautioned not to attempt to figure out what everything means, but to ask for help and guidance (this asking for help and guidance is essential ALWAYS AND IN EVERY SITUATION). 

Some other themes that are introduced: forgiveness; the ego’s fear of letting go; the continuing help and gentle guidance of Spirit (Mt. 17(6-8) and (9-13).

Chapter 18 continues with a reinforcement of some of these ideas: let go of who you think you are; “Ask Me in all things and leave all things to Me”; although you might feel resistance, do not fight it or judge it, which just gives it more energy, let go, give your heart to Spirit and resistance “passes on to nothingness.” 

 For next time, I suggest you look over the next few chapters. 

 Peace, Gerry