So, you want to go to Heaven.  Really? 

What are you expecting?  What's it like there?  Puffy clouds?  A pearly gate?  Angels in white robes? Harps?  A magnificent garden and sterling city with the river of the water of life flowing through it?  All (or maybe some) of your loved ones gathered at the throne of God rejoicing your arrival?

In our recent gospel readings from Matthew 13, Jesus gives many examples of what the 'kingdom of heaven' is like.  Note: He's not just describing heaven, but the 'kingdom' of heaven.  So how is that different from plain old heaven?

Jesus' descriptions are not literal, but poetic – offered in similes (or are they analogies?) drawn from everyday life.  For example, the kingdom of heaven is like:       

• a man who sowed good seed in his field.
• a mustard seed …
• yeast that a woman took and mixed into flour …
• treasure hidden in a field.
• a merchant looking for fine pearls.
• a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.

Each image and likeness he develops into a concise description and a short object lesson.  It becomes apparent that the kingdom of heaven reaches far and wide.  It dwells in all times, all places, all matters – beyond, but certainly including, our place and time on earth.  This time, this place, your life – these too are part of the kingdom of heaven.

So now, bring it home.  Bring it into your life, your experiences, your imagination.

What is the kingdom of heaven like?  Tell us in your words.  Finish this sentence:

             'The kingdom of heaven is like … '

Then share your words with us.  Email your response (or more than one if you like) to , and watch for the collected responses to be posted on the Faith web site and/or included in an upcoming worship service. The deadline to submit your statements is Sunday, August 30.

See you in heaven?  Hopefully, in Christ.  Dwell with you in the kingdom of heaven?  Absolutely – here, now, and always.

Cliff Hill

Adult Education Team