From the Four Winds

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

Great Creator you sent the four winds

to breathe life into every being

the two and four legged and winged

and those who crawl and the swimmers.

You have seen us through hard times

through storms from the vast oceans

and violence between countries

and have been our strength and stay.

Too often we run from your grace

trying to go our way alone and foolish

yet you wait and hope for us still

sending love in the center of storms.

Draw near to all who are breaking

surround us with love for our neighbors

teach us again a reverence for creation

and let us love others without reservations. Amen.