Midweek Devotion for 8 May 2024

Reading

Acts 1:8-9
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

 

(Personal Photo)

Devotion

Tomorrow, 9 May, is the Feast of the Ascension.  This feast comes 40 days after Easter and 10 days before Pentecost.  Church history points to the Feast's celebration from at least the Third century.

 

Today's artwork is a weird porcelain statuary found in the Chapel of the Ascension at the Anglican Shrine in Walsingham, England.  This particular chapel is a bit off the beaten path.  The whole of the shrine is the sort of modern baroque that was common to the late 1930's.  I find that art style just awful, but many people find meaning in it.  I do admit the strangeness of these feet drew me to a contemplative place.

 

Jesus' feet are pierced by nails.  They also must have been-well calloused by all the walking he did in sandals.  Were toes broken or stubbed?  Certainly they must have often been filthy.  I remember the time I ran a marathon and many of my toenails turned black and fell off.  Life is often hard on feet.  I think of the word play possible between sole and soul.  How has your soul been pierced, or calloused, or broken, dear reader?  Well, stand by!  The call of Jesus is to receive power and bear witness...and Pentecost is coming!

 

Prayer

Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.