Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening Prayer:

Your creation, O God, runs its appointed course, as from the ends of the earth You gather a people You call Your own. Confirm us in the strength of Your abiding word. Steady our hearts in the time of trial, so that on the day of the Son of Man we may without fear rejoice to behold His appearing. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “God You are my God” – Desperation Band

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Daniel 12:1-3 (NLT)
[Daniel gives a prophecy of the end of time, when the virtuous will be rewarded.]

“At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued. Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.”
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 16:5, 8-11 (NLT)

Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine.
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I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
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“Psalm 16 – The Path of Life” – Diocese of St. Benedict

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 (NLT)
[What many priests did in former times, Christ does now: he has achieved our perfection.]

Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
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And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 13:24-32 (NLT)
[Jesus repeats Daniel’s prophecy, adding that only the Father knows when the end will come.]

“At that time, after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world — from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.
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Hymn: “Jesus is Coming Again”

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Intercessions:

The Lord is at our side to support us, let us approach His throne of grace with confidence.

+ For all Christians – that we may be found ready, when the Savior comes in glory…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who live in fear of death – that Your consoling Word may be their support…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prisoners, and their families – that they may put their trust in You, who never forgets them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For prison officers and all who maintain our jails – that they may show sensitivity and compassion…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who suffer, in body, mind or spirit – that Your powerful presence may help them to stand firm…. Lord, hear us.
+ For the bereaved – that in this season of remembrance they find healing and peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who have died, and for all the victims of terrorism in Paris – that they and all our beloved dead may awake to everlasting life…. Lord, hear us.

O Lord, You are our portion and cup, You support us all our days: hear our prayers for all your people, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “Days of Elijah” – Robin Mark

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Benediction:

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:20-21)

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen