November 24th .    Groups discussed “the last things” which came up a lot in the readings of the time. “In almost every generation there are people who believe the end of the world is nigh.  We call that millennialism. Some people interpret the book of Revelation and speak about The Rapture, when they believe that if they have lived righteous lives, they will get taken up into heaven. Some Old Testament books like Daniel and Ezekiel also wrote in that apocalyptic style. Even Paul wrote about the end times to the Thessalonians. In our time Pope Francis continuously draws attention to the abuse of the environment as a sign of our times. Will that contribute to the end of the world – as a Family of Families?  Jesus told us that only the Father knows. Does that give you hope and comfort or not?” 

Scripture: And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity.  Luke 21: 20-28.  Pope Francis:  Patriarch Bartholomew has drawn attention to the ethical and spiritual roots of environmental problems which require that we look for solutions not only in technology but in a change of humanity; otherwise we would be dealing merely with symptoms.  LS 9