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Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11
While they were looking intently at the sky as he
was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee,why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”
Rain & Sunshine Yesterday as I drove home from confession, I looked up at the sky noticing rain droplets coming down in full sunshine. It rained quite heavy for about 30 minutes. No wind, no thunder or lightning, no sun hidden behind a cloud...Just big rain droplets showering the street. What an unusual sight considering the Dallas area is known for severe thunderstorms. Unfortunately, I didn't see a rainbow, but I'm sure one appeared somewhere nearby...
I thought to myself, "God and the heavenly angels must be weeping tears of joy! Today we celebrate the Feast of the Mary's Visitation and tomorrow the Feast of the Ascension! Thank God for this much needed rain!"
The Ascension Jesus ascended into heaven in a blink of an eye. The apostles stared into the sky, totally mesmerized by what they just experienced. They loved Jesus and didn't want him to leave. It took two men dressed in white to lift the apostles out of their temporary trance. In time, Jesus will return back to earth the same path he went up. (He will set out to judge the living and the dead.) After the Ascension, the apostle's mission took a significant turn. It will be up to them to courageously grow the Church. Fortunately they will be given the power of the Holy Spirit as their Advocate and guide....
No time for the Apostles to stare at the sky. Time to spread the good news of the gospels to Jews and Gentiles alike!
What do you see in the sky? When you look up at the sky, what do you see? Do you see the obvious: big fluffy clouds, the sun, birds flying or maybe an airplane? Or, do you use your imagination, noticing figures of animals or faces drawn out of the clouds?
Some people look at the sky wishing things were different in their lives. Perhaps they made bad decisions that have come to forever haunt them. Other people look at the sky in praise and celebration. Their lives are beautiful and full of content. They recognize God's handiwork in all of their blessings.
Still others may look up at the sky wanting to know what the future holds. Will they live to a ripe old age? Will they get everything they ever desired in life? To these people, the future seems to be the key to happiness. They stare into the sky of the future when they should notice the clouds of the present. Those fluffy clouds may be heavy and black with rain. Lightning and thunder could be forming in the sky. Yet, the person so hopeful of the future doesn't notice the storm of present-day life. It's good to prepare for the future, but it's also critical to take care of issues in the present. Think about the Apostles: They could have sat their looking at the sky day dreaming about the wonderful times with Jesus only thinking about his return! However, they took action, evangelizing the faith.
Next time you look up at the sky, say a prayer of Thanksgiving to Our Lord praising him for his infinite blessings. Consider ways that you can serve the Church and evangelize the faith. In a post-Christian culture, it's important that all of us as baptized followers of Christ to spread his good news in authentic and charitable ways. Personally, I'm discerning ways how I can better serve the church in a possible mission role. I look up at the sky in prayer looking for "hints" as to where Our Lord wants me to serve in ways I can use my talents and gifts.
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world. (Gospel Alleluia)
-J.
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