The Kingdom Within: Heaven’s Treasure in Earthly Life (Oratio Divina)

Concern yourself not
with what the world can give
but with the treasure
that awaits you
in heaven
though heaven is not
some far away place
the kingdom of God
is within you
~Robert Van Valkenburgh

Reflection:
The belief that heaven is merely a place the faithful aspire to go after death tends to lead to an under-appreciation for and undervaluing of this life, now. To believe that the only purpose of this life is to transcend it through grace into heavenly ascension after death is to undermine the imago dei that is our physical embodiment on this earth. We are not only embodied souls awaiting the expiration (breathing out) of our spirits into eternal union with God. We are also ensouled bodies inspired (breathed into) with the image and life of God, divine creations within divine creation, living out the resurrection of our Christ nature in this world through self-emptying love for the sake of God and other.

Though we may never attain perfect union with perfect God now, in these bodies or this world, it is a mistake to believe that we were created out of Godself simply to sin, suffer, repent, and be saved, only to die and be brought into the otherworldly, supernatural kingdom of God. Jesus himself tells us that the kingdom of God is within us, within our midst, or among us, depending on the translation we use (Luke 17:20-21, KJV, NIV, NRSVCE). Even if heaven itself is a place, a state of being, or a state of consciousness apart from, underlying, or hidden to this world, that does not mean our lives here are insignificant. If that were so, why would God spend so much time and energy trying to teach, guide, rescue, protect, heal, and love us, and why would he tell us to do the same for one another?

Question for Meditation: How might recognizing the kingdom of God within you change the way you value this life and live each day?

Related Scripture: “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10 (NRSV)

For Further Reading: If you enjoyed this post, you may also like Lectio: For What Is Eternal