From East and West, North and South

Jesus said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?” He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able. When once the owner of the house has got up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’ then in reply he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you come from.’ Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I do not know where you come from; go away from me, all you evildoers!’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrown out. Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God. Indeed, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” Luke 13:18-30 

From East and West, From North and South

O loving Creator you created diversity

in nature, in cultures and in climates

you taught us to sing and pray in many tongues

yet we would keep strangers on the outside.

Lord, you draw a wide and expanding circle

you send rain and snow on every creature

you break down all the wall we build

yet we cower and hide in fear of others.

You have given us gifts and blessings

we receive these with great reluctance

thinking delight and wonderful things

can only come by people we understand.

Make us your children once again

let us draw together from every corner

bring loving hearts together this day

let us be your loving welcome today. Amen.