The Staring Problem: Why Angels Had to Intervene | Daily Readings | June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025 - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Daily Catholic Lectionary Readings

Eleven apostles stood paralyzed, staring into sky after Jesus ascended, until angels had to intervene: Why are you standing here looking up? This same Jesus will return—now get back to work. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is stop being spiritual and start being functional. The disciples' staring problem reveals how contemplation can become paralysis, wonder can become inaction, and the extraordinary can render us ordinary.

In today’s reflection, you’ll discover:
1. Why angels had to cure the disciples' spiritual paralysis with practical redirection
2. How contemplation becomes paralysis when separated from action and responsibility
3. What the disciples understood that transformed staring into celebrating and working
4. Why sometimes the most spiritual response is to stop looking up and start engaging down here

📖 Readings
Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Luke 24:46-53

⏱️ Timeline
00:00 Introduction
00:15 Reading I - Acts 1:1-11
01:50 Psalm Response - Psalm 47:2-3,6-7,8-9
05:09 Reading II - Ephesians 1:17-23
06:06 Gospel - Luke 24:46-53
06:54 Reflection

Perfect for anyone stuck in spiritual contemplation without practical engagement, overwhelmed by God's transcendence, or needing angelic intervention to move from wonder to work.

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