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

“Why are you standing there, staring at the sky?”

“Why have you always got your head in the clouds?”

Sometimes there are very good reasons to stop moving, to raise our gaze beyond our feet and up into the sky. It’s always above us, but how often do we see it?

We may not be able to live with our head in the clouds all of the time; and the disciples did turn their gaze back to the road (and work) ahead. But when something as miraculous and utterly amazing as what is described in Acts takes place… standing there, staring at the sky, is the very most reasonable thing to do!

When and how do we take the time to gaze heavenward? To contemplate the clouds? To wonder how it is that the divine is beyond us and with us at the very same moment?

Sarah McCaslin

Pray

God, when I find my gaze stuck to the ground, guide my eyes upward to the heavens to see the world anew, to welcome the clouds and stars into my line of vision, to greet you in amazement and awe. Amen.

Go

Rise up!
When you’re living on your knees, you rise up
Tell your brother that he’s gotta rise up
Tell your sister that she's gotta rise up

from Hamilton: An American Musical by Lin Manuel Miranda