Before heaven was imagined as a place beyond the stars, it was known as something much closer — a quiet realm within the heart, waiting for a soft return.
In this reflection, we follow the ancient words of Jesus not as doctrine, but as invitation:
To become like children. To bow with humility. To knock gently — and discover the kingdom not far away, but within every breath you take, and when breath you take no more.
Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 7:7
These are not just ancient words.
They are a map — drawn in the ink of humility — to remind us of the hidden gate inside the heart.
The Master Jesus, speaking from Presence, was not pointing to another world.
He was pointing to this one — to a love so vast, so immediate, that even a word like ecstasy cannot contain it.
The kingdom of heaven is not distant. It is not beyond the stars. It is in your breath. It is in the silence between our hearts. It is waiting within you, always.
And what opens the door?
Not striving.
Not knowledge.
But humility — the simple act of turning, softening, and knocking.
Ask, and it will be given to you Seek, and you will find.
Knock, and the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7
And when it opens, you will not enter alone.
Love has already gone ahead of you.
Nigel Lott teaandzen.org
If what you’ve read, heard, or felt in this space has opened your heart, brought you comfort, or reminded you of what is sacred —please consider making a donation.
Meditation Sans Frontieres 501 (C) 3 Non Profit Registered Charity TAX EIN 81-3411835
Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe