This week, Kriyabans from the Assisi Institute will share aspects of their journey on the spiritual path as Isha Das turns to other work on our behalf. Today’s reflection comes from Mary McFee.
“The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe the good news.”
Jesus
As we approach the Christian season of Lent this week, we may hear these words that Jesus spoke after his 40 days in the desert. Today, because of Yogananda, I can understand that the kingdom of God is to be found within me and not out in the world — the most profound and life-changing of Yogananda’s teaching. Good news, indeed! Jesus instructs us, “repent.” We associate repentance with regret or sorrow for our shortcomings, yet there is a more nuanced meaning in the Greek word for repentance, metanoia, which indicates “a transformative change of heart.” Could it be that Jesus is inviting me to return to the kingdom of God within my own heart? To come back to myself and learn what transformative change God may be offering me? As I think about returning to my heart, I remember these words from Yogananda: “In one of His aspects, a very touching aspect, the Lord may be said to be a beggar. He yearns for our attention. The Master of the Universe, at whose glance all stars, suns, moons, and planets quiver, is running after man and saying: ‘Won’t you give me your affection? Don’t you love me, the Giver, more than the things I have made for you? Won’t you seek Me?’ But man says: ‘I am too busy now; I have work to do. I can’t take time to look for You.’ And the Lord says: ‘I will wait.’”
Divine Beloved
You are waiting for me,
For my time and loving attention,
Holding exactly the blessings I need most
For transformation.
