Finding the Kingdom
Where does one find the kingdom of heaven that Jesus talks about?
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:1-4
In today's Gospel, Jesus is asked about greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven.
We tend to hear this as a conversation about the afterlife, the place we hope to go when this life is over, but what would the disciples have thought? Wouldn't they have expected the kingdom to come while they were alive?
When Jesus tells them they must be humble like a child, they may have realized that asking the question probably disqualified them. Seeking greatness tends to negate humility.
But Jesus goes on to describe the type of behavior he expects of anyone who chooses to follow him. And this is what I think is important for all of us who seek the heavenly kingdom for ourselves.
Not only do I have to avoid causing others to stumble, but I also need to remove from my life, anything that causes me to stumble. Only then will I find the kingdom.
This morning I awoke to a thick fog covering the ground, making visibility poor. Even though I cannot see the trees and flowers I know line our street, I am not shaken by the fact I cannot see them. I have seen them before and I know they are there.
That is what I believe Jesus is trying to tell us about the kingdom. It is here. He has seen it, but we are in a fog, focusing on what is close, blocked by the obstacles and burdens we carry with us.
We enter the kingdom when we leave our obstacles behind and reach out to others humbly, with love.
So, the lesson, I believe, is a simple one, a test of our own device, so to speak. If I don't feel I am living in the Kingdom of Heaven, then chances are I have more work to do, shedding the burdens I carry, removing the obstacles that cause me to stumble and be distracted.
It is here, and it is a joy for all who experience it as a child, awash in love and trusting in humanity.
Unfortunately, I think we have been moving in the opposite direction.
More to come...