You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high. Luke 24:48-49
Consider the times in your life when you have stood still and stared in wonder. Perhaps it was an amazing sunrise or sunset, or an encounter with a wild animal. Were you struck silent by the sight? In that moment, you were a witness of God’s goodness. And because of what you witnessed, you could no longer be the same.
The Ascension of the Lord, witnessed long ago by the early disciples, yielded a similar result for the witnesses. A great wonder stilled the crowd; everyone was changed. I imagine they were struck silent—transfixed by God’s boundless love and beauty. Later, the Holy Spirit empowers them, sending them out to serve and tell others about the beauty they have come to know—just as the Holy Spirit invites us to serve and share the joy today.
God, help me to pay attention to your beauty and goodness today.
Sr. Julia Walsh, F.S.P.A.
Originally published May 30, 2019
