Listen

After Jesus said these things, as they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going away and as they were staring toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood next to them. They said, “Galileans, why are you standing here, looking toward heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you saw him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:9-11

Think

“When cardinals appear, angels are near.” This old saying is one of our family’s favorites, especially when these bright red messengers sing their song as we play together in the backyard.

In the Bible, angels are often described as men dressed in white garments. These brightly clad messengers of God tell the witnesses in Acts 1:9-11, as well as us today, that Jesus’s return will be in the same manner as the Ascension: in glory and power. There is a sense of urgency in their message; for as soon as Jesus leaves, the people are warned against spending their time idly, “looking toward heaven” (v. 11).

Instead, we must spend our time awaiting Christ’s return in prayer, daily asking God to bless us with the opportunity to feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, and visit those in prison; that through these and other works of mercy, we may help those who suffer. By doing so, we may catch a glimpse of Christ today, appearing to us through our neighbor.

Sarah Boatwright

Pray

Thank you, Lord, for all that I have.

Please bless me today with the opportunity and the courage to share my blessings with someone in need.

Amen.

Go

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2 (NRSV)