Pondering for Monday, June 3, 2024

Daily Office Readings for Monday of Proper 4: Year 2

Morning, Psalms 41 and 52; Evening, Psalm 44;
Ecclesiastes. 2:1 to 15; Galatians 1:1 to 17; Matthew 13:44 to 52;

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

This is the first of three “The kingdom of heaven is like:” parables from Jesus in this Matthew passage. At least one point is that when we see or feel the kingdom of heaven, we must let go of what we have to obtain it. Likewise, we must let go of this body to enter the new one prepared for us in the next life.

Sometimes there is a greed in us that says both, and, instead of, either, or. We must choose the life we want to live.  We can’t live two lives. I think the key to living in the kingdom of heaven is simplification. The less we have, the easier life becomes. Likewise, the less we are doing, the easier life becomes. I know this to be true for I am way too busy.

The simple life might be the gateway into the kingdom of heaven. All we have to do is let go of some of what we have ; and some of what we are doing, and enjoy the kingdom. So therefore, in the end, we must let go of this body to enter the new one prepared for us in the next life, in the kingdom. Thank You Lord Jesus.

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to let go of things unnecessary for finding the kingdom of heaven. Lead us and guide us in ways of simple pleasures already with us now. Teach us to want and need less as we seek the kingdom. Show us dear Lord Jesus that peace and tranquility which surpasses all understanding and which is the essence of the kingdom of heaven. Amen.