To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 1, Day 5 - A Cultivator Turns His Gaze Toward Heaven

Mark C. McCann | 09/06/2024

I lift up my eyes to the hills.

From where does my help come?

My help comes from the LORD who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1–2

Those who keep their eyes fixed on heaven will find the strength they need to climb every mountain and walk through every valley along the narrow way. Rather than focusing on the temporary trappings of this life, we allow the One who is our helper and our protector to lift us up from the stagnation of this world and transform us as we walk the journey toward heaven. This single-minded vision enables us to see our lives from eternity’s perspective and shapes how we grow as believers and, in turn, speak and move in the lives of others.

Psalm 121 is one of a number of the “Songs of Ascents” — holy hymns sung by pilgrims as they made their way to Jerusalem for the great Jewish feasts. Just as these sacred words spurred on the people of God, they can motivate us to live lives filled with hope as we await the harvest that is to come. We will cherish our reading of the word of God, celebrate our rich heritage as members of the Church, and go out into the world to harvest the souls of the lost. We are on a holy pilgrimage toward the eternal city, calling others to join us as we give praise to the One who transforms us and leads us home.

Questions for Reflection

How would you describe your pilgrimage toward heaven at this time in your life?

What things in your life are keeping you from fixing your gaze on heaven and God’s love for you?

What can you do to cultivate a greater intimacy with Christ and recognize his care for you?

Praying with Scripture

To you I lift up my eyes,

O you who are enthroned in the heavens! (Ps 123:1)

You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE

You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE

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About the Author

Mark C. McCann

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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.