Days of Suffering

Jesus said, “But when you see the desolating sacrilege set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then those in Judea must flee to the mountains; the one on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; the one in the field must not turn back to get a coat. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not be in winter. For in those days there will be suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, no, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he has cut short those days. And if anyone says to you at that time, ‘Look! Here is the Messiah!’ or ‘Look! There he is!’ – do not believe it. False messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be alert; I have already told you everything.
“But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.” Mark 13:14-27

Days of Suffering

The rain won't quit nowhere to go
water filling every street and byway
houses crumbling, families separated
where is God in the center of this storm?

The winds rise up from four directions
the water engulfs all races and clans
we are tormented by the historic loss
wondering what to do and what to pray?

There is much to fear in the coming days
the troubles seem to swell all around us
fear and loathing rise like flood waters
when will we be rescued from this place.

Let us pray and be watchful with fervor
for our suffering is known and shared
the heart of God is breaking for the victims
aching from the lack of our compassion.

May we be those who do not idle by
but rush to those who cry out loud today
for God is by our side in our activity
the Divine rejoices when we end abuse.