3RD WEEK OF EASTER

Get up and go. 

“Oh, the places you’ll go!” exclaimed Dr. Seuss as he imagined a life of excitement and possibility for his readers.

God has an exciting life planned for each of us, and it’s not imaginary. It’s a life of significance and relevance. It’s a life loaded with eternal consequence. And it’s a life that is possible for you personally. All you need is an open and willing heart. In today’s first reading, Ananias’ heart was open to God’s command to go, despite his concerns. And because Ananias got up and went, Saul (later called Paul) recovered his sight, was baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. Just imagine!

“Get up and go” looks different for each of us. For some, it is a call to action—works of mercy or the cause of justice, perhaps. For others, it is a call to more time in prayer and study. It likely will look different at different times of your life too. The Lord knows that, and he will help you understand your call as you spend time in prayer and reflection. While his direction is not always easy or convenient, it will be possible. He will always help you.

“But I’m too young—or too old,” you might say. Jeremiah tried that objection, and it didn’t fly (1:6). Moses tried—“I’m too slow to speak”—and that didn’t work either (see Exodus 4:10). Why? Because when God asks someone to go, he provides the grace to do it. He will give that grace to you. He formed you and knows everything about you, including what is and is not possible for you. He is not bothered by your objections, so express them if you must, just as Ananias did. And then listen quietly for his response.

God is delighted by your willingness to “go.” He offers you a life filled with hope and opportunities. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll see visions as Ananias did. Sometimes “get up and go” means doing something you already know you should be doing. So look for little ways the Lord offers direction—a phrase from Scripture, a nudge to do something unexpected, or a recurring urge to love. You might not travel the world, but you will still have adventures as you follow the Lord. Just imagine!

“Lord, help me to follow your Spirit’s direction today.”

Psalm 117:1-2
John 6:52-59
Acts 9:1-20