Scripture
“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 13:24–27
Reflection
The symbolic use of the four seasons in prayer language has long been
the tradition of many indigenous cultures. Each season represents a part
of life.
In winter we find sadness and defeat. It is the season of death,
survival, and waiting. Winter tests us and builds our strength as we
await spring.
Spring is the season of success, victory, power, and reawakening.
Here we find new life and new birth—a place of new beginnings.
In summer we find peace, happiness, serenity, and plenty. Here life
is at its peak.
In autumn we find death, the harvest, and the end of the cycles. It
is also the season from which rain comes.
These seasons, when seen as symbols, can enhance meditation. In life we
travel the circuit of the four seasons—life and loss—many times. They are
all connected. All seasons and parts of life draw us back to God.
Action
Examine your life for those things that are concerning you right now.
Write a prayer for these concerns, and find the season that symbolically
represents your concerns. Offer the prayer you have written. Let the
Spirit comfort you.
Prayer
It is a challenge each World Conference to make the worship services
truly meaningful to all of the people. Translators, inclusive language,
and intercultural worship can only go so far. The rest of the distance is
bridged by love. We share a meal. We bow in prayer. We touch hands. We cry
and laugh together. We are a family. Pray that we listen with our ears,
but also remain open to the feelings of our hearts. Pray that the diverse
seasons represented by our lives will have God at the center, and we will
experience God’s shalom. |
