The Eternal Now
Jesus spoke of the Eternal Now with words that whisper of the Real amidst our tangible world. "The kingdom of God," "the kingdom of heaven," he said, not distant heavens, but the fields around us, ripe for harvest. "Already," he repeats, urging us to see the present, to be here, now. A path unfolds in surrender to this moment, to its offerings. It may seem like nothing, this now-here, yet it holds everything.
In the naked now, we find a satisfaction, a sacrament of the present moment. Here, we learn to truly meet our experiences, the good, the bad, the ugly. Words dissect, but presence allows, embraces what is.
Life defies our abstractions; it is a dance of light and shadow. "God alone is good," Jesus says, urging us beyond binaries. The Real, the Divine, it beckons us to a both/and stance, where no part is cast out. The nondual mind says yes to each moment, each person, listening to body, heart, senses.
In this presence, the Real is felt. Our dualistic minds, once servants of self, now serve the whole. Start with clarity, move toward compassion.
John Duns Scotus teaches of "this-ness," the specificity of each thing. To know Divine Presence, we must be present to this moment, this person, uniquely.
The here-and-now, in its ordinariness, becomes the gateway to the Eternal. Trust in this, do not dismiss it until you've known it. One cherished thing is all it takes.
The implications of embracing this understanding are both practical and profound, offering humanity a roadmap to a more meaningful and harmonious existence.
Practically, living in the Eternal Now, in the kingdom of God here on Earth, means recognizing the value and sacredness of each moment and each person. It means being fully present in our interactions, whether with loved ones, strangers, or ourselves. This presence allows for deeper connections, empathy, and understanding. When we embody this presence, conflicts can be resolved with compassion, as we see beyond surface differences to the unity beneath.
This way of being also brings a sense of contentment and fulfillment in the present moment. Instead of constantly chasing after a future that promises happiness, we find joy in the now. This doesn't mean we become passive; rather, we engage with life fully, with enthusiasm and purpose, while being anchored in the present. It liberates us from the anxiety of the unknown future or the regrets of the past.
In a world where division and judgment often prevail, this teaching offers a path to unity and acceptance. By embracing the both/and perspective, we move beyond rigid dualistic thinking that separates us. We learn to hold space for diversity of beliefs, experiences, and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
On a deeper level, this understanding allows us to tap into our true nature, our boundless love, compassion, and wisdom. It empowers us to live in alignment with our moral and ethical capacities, fostering a world where kindness, generosity, and justice are not just ideals but lived realities.
The practical implications of living in the Eternal Now, in the kingdom of God within, are immense. It means living with presence, joy, unity, and purpose. It transforms how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us, offering a path to a more fulfilling and harmonious existence for all.
(adapted from: Richard Rohr, A Spring Within Us; The Naked Now; A New Way of Seeing…A New Way of Being)