Matthew 19:23
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.”

What does it mean to “enter the kingdom of heaven”? Certainly we all hope to enter upon death…but Jesus seemed to be focused on the now and not some future “reward.” When a scribe agreed with Jesus that the two greatest commandments were to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself…Jesus told him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). Jesus was clearly talking about experiencing the kingdom of God in the present. A rich person has an abundance of power, prestige and possessions. It’s easy to get caught up in defending and protecting all of that to the point that there is no time for God or anyone else. It’s not the power, prestige and possessions in themselves that are bad…it’s the attachment to them. To be present to the Divine Presence so as to live in the love of Christ and reflect the love of Christ…is to be experiencing the kingdom or reign of God right now! What is blocking me from being truly present to God’s love each moment?

Suggested song of the day– “Breathe On Me” on the Listen to Your Heart album.
Hear free clips of Bill’s songs by clicking on Bill Tonnis’ Music on iTunes to the right.
CDs available by clicking on “home” and then the “store” tab.
Have a blessed day!