It is very interesting to see the months of preparation that there has been in Philadelphia in anticipation of the arrival of Pope Francis. If the truth be told I did not even realize that Pope Francis was also going to be in Washington, DC as well as in New York City. It would seem that all I was hearing on the news was “Pope Francis is coming to Philadelphia.” It is a very exciting time I am sure for the city as not only will they be honored to have the Pope there, but there is also the meeting of families. With these two events thousands of people will be converging on the city, some just to get a glimpse of Pope Francis. What a boost this will be for the economy of the city as no doubt all the hotels will be filled to capacity, the restaurants will be overwhelmed and the merchants will no doubt be having a boom in sales. This is absolutely fantastic.
As I reflect on all of this I cannot help but think about the stark difference between the coming of the Pope to America and the return of Jesus Christ. The preparation of His coming has been for thousands of Years, not just over months to a year. This preparation has nothing to do with the external (clean sidewalks, freshly painted buildings, beautiful meeting rooms, and well secured areas), instead the preparation for the return of Jesus Christ is all internal- a preparation of hearts. With the coming of Pope Francis the majority of events will require tickets to attend. Many not being able to get a ticket will stand outside of restricted areas to get just a glimpse of him. Unfortunately the majority of America will not see Pope Francis. However with the return of Jesus Christ- all eyes will behold Him- that is the entire world. The dead in Christ will rise first, then those who are alive and remain will be caught up to meet Him in the air. There will be no restriction by social standing, education, position in the church or by race- the only criteria is that you are “born again”, washed in the blood of the lamb. This by far supersedes any other “coming to America”.
In His Service,
Vilma
