When the world seems so far from being God's Kingdom on earth, remember that coming together in faith we still can effect the change that brings healing and grace to our lives and the lives of those around us. God's promises to us have not changed, and while the gifts we each have may seem insignificant in the face of the problems of the world, when all the gifts of all of us are brought to bear together there is nothing we cannot accomplish. This call to faith and action is what binds us, defines us, and makes us able to bring light to the darkness.

The Scripture references are Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The Gospel reference is Matthew 25:1-13.