Gathered from the Four Winds

‘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; someone on the housetop must not go down or enter the house to take anything away; someone 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

Some years ago, the series 'Left Behind' was very popular among some Christian groups. During that time, I would see bumper stickers that said, "this vehicle will be empty when the rapture comes!" Folks were encouraged to expect the end times and get right with God. This thinking has permeated into our present day and some of our country's leadership. Some in every generation have expected the end times and read the signs wrong. Their behavior was foolish, and they forgot to care for others since the end was near. When we personalized our faith, instead of embracing others, from the four winds, we are not following a scared path, we are following our selfish path. May we embrace the four winds and those sent to us from every direction.

Eternal Creator, you are the alpha and omega

we begin in your heart and we return to you

we are your children and families on earth

and you call us to care for all of your children.

We think that controlling others is a good thing

isolation and protection are our natural rights

when we live on land that is truly stolen

and forget that so many were brought as slaves.

Help us Lord, today, to live with open hearts

never let us live as those preparing for end times

but rather those who open their hearts to new ways

new possibilities and your miracles on the horizon. Amen.