"Nor will people say, Look! Here it is! or, See, it is there!
For behold, the kingdom of God is within you and among you."
(Luke 17:21)
Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God a lot. As a kid, I wondered if this was a physical Kingdom, like the church down the street, but it seemed more mysterious than this. Someone explained that the Kingdom was the place where Jesus is King.
Culturally, the idea of king, queen and monarchy seems outdated, but this Western symbol effectively speaks to an inner authority. Jesus' parables of treasure, seed and yeast gives life to this spiritual idea that dwells deep within.
The following illuminative story is from a meditation I regularly use. It features the mythical world of King Arthur as a basis of contemplation on the inner journey:
Heir to the Kingdom, you know that this land of Logres [domain of the King] has fallen under an evil glamor [spell]. There are many things to be put right and many evil beings who must be restrained and prevented from doing further harm. But know too that, dwelling herein, there are also many who are true servers of the Light. And there are also sacred sites --- pools, wells, and fountains, groves, isles, and hills of power --- where Spirit may be contacted for the healing of the land. I advise you now to leave the castle and to journey through this land that is your heritage. This is necessary, for how otherwise will you come to understand the problems of the inhabitants you are destined to rule?
The Tower of Alchemy, David Goddard
What I find transformative about the Kingdom of Heaven now, is that authority is within and not outside me. As a child you are taught to obey authorities. However, as an adult my understanding of theology and science had been given over to the Church, my work to my employer, my role as father to an ideal and my cultural tastes to my peers. I was programmed by my emotional need to be accepted by these voices.
It is a difficult to take responsibility for my emotions because it means owning my ups and downs, my anger. Why do my children not listen to me? Why is my work not satisfying? Why does science destroy faith? With these questions comes a desire to blame and be the victim of my family, my work, and secularism. I know the Kingdom is not fully loyal to the king yet and that there is always the possibility of deception, but I know the divine Truth within me will one day rule the entire land.
It is a difficult to take responsibility for my emotions because it means owning my ups and downs, my anger. Why do my children not listen to me? Why is my work not satisfying? Why does science destroy faith? With these questions comes a desire to blame and be the victim of my family, my work, and secularism. I know the Kingdom is not fully loyal to the king yet and that there is always the possibility of deception, but I know the divine Truth within me will one day rule the entire land.
