
Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Luke 17:20-25
I recently read a book about perfume and discovered that the legendary perfumer, Jean Carles, continued to create perfume after he lost his sense of smell. We’ve also heard the stories about Beethoven and how he composed some of his most famous symphonies after he became deaf, most famously, Symphony No. 9.
Some could argue that both Carles and Beethoven created from the memories stored in their minds. I propose that they each composed from the feelings nurtured in their hearts.
In fact, I believe it’s the same place that Jesus talks about when He references the Kingdom of God and how it’s already in our midst. It can’t be seen and it’s neither here nor there.
If you’ve ever had such an intense feeling of joy that tears spring to your eyes, I believe that’s the place. It’s that chord that gets struck within us when we gaze into the eyes of an innocent baby, or fall in love for the first time, or experience profound peace knowing a prayer has been answered.
That’s where God is calling us – that’s where His Kingdom lies. Moreover, when we open ourselves up enough, we recognize it’s available to us all the time. And when we agree to meet God there? Everything becomes right in our world – no matter our outward circumstances.
When we do finally find our way to that Kingdom within, we become Kingdom beacons, radiating out grace and whatever gifts God has blessed us with. Like Carles’ perfume and Beethoven’s music, our gifts spill out, permeating the spaces between us, extending the boundary of joy to encircle all we come in contact with.
Ponder:
Have I ever experienced such a deep and profound positive emotion that it brought tears to my eyes? Do I realize that that’s where God resides within and where His kingdom exists?
Pray:
King of kings, help me to discover Your kingdom within. Inspire me to meet You there.
Copyright 2024 Claire McGarry
About the Author

Claire McGarry
Claire McGarry is the author of Grace in Tension: Discover Peace with Martha and Mary, and the Lenten family devotionals With Our Savior and Abundant Mercy. Claire is a regular contributor to Living Faith, and her freelance work has appeared in several books, magazines, and devotionals. She blogs weekly at Shifting My Perspective, and lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon.
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