Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

The people of God will have nothing to fear at the Day of Judgement.

Opening Prayer:

Lord God of all the ages, the One who is, who was, and who is to come, stir up within us a longing for your kingdom, steady our hearts in time of trial, and grant us patient endurance until the sun of justice dawns. 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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“Only King Forever” – Elevation Worship

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A Reading from the Old Testament: Malachi 4:1-3 (NLT)
[Those who uphold God’s name need have nothing to fear when the world ends.]

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all.

“Unto You That Fear My Name Shall the Sun of Righteousness Arise with Healing in His Wings”
Thomas Moran (1837-1926)

“But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 98:5-9 (NLT)

Sing your praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram’s horn. Make a joyful symphony before the Lord, the King!

Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness.
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“Psalm 98 (Sing Unto the Lord)” – Shane & Shane

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A Reading from the Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 (NLT)
[A condemnation of laziness.]

For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.”

Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Luke 21:5-19 (NLT)
[St Luke writes about the end of the world and the second coming of Christ, with words of reassurance for disciples of the Lord.]

Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”

The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism Gustave Doré (c 1868) Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario. — The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism
Gustave Doré (c 1868)
Art Gallery of Hamilton, Ontario.

He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

“But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.
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“The King Is Coming” – Newsboys

Make a way for | Make a way for | Make a way for the King | The King is coming

Open up the doors | Open up the doors | Lift your eyes to see | Our King is coming
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Intercessory Prayer:

Sovereign God, You rule heaven and earth with truth and grace. And one day, Jesus will come again as the righteous judge of the living and the dead. Hear our prayers as we await that glorious day.

+ For people who live in fear, that they may be filled with Your perfect love and do what’s right…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who feel hopeless, that You may open new ways for them to experience Your mercy and grace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For a peaceful transition within our government, after the presidential election, that we may come together “as one nation under God”…. Lord, hear us.
+ For perpetrators of violence and chaos in our streets, that You may restrain them and deliver us from evil…. Lord, hear us.
+ For victims of crime and violence, that they may see Your justice done on earth as in heaven…. Lord, hear us.
+ For our loved ones who have died in Christ, that they may be raised to life on the last day…. Lord, hear us.

Lord our God, You rule the world with justice: help us in all our needs, we pray, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Days of Elijah” Robin Mark

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Benediction:

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

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.]

Andrei Rublev Archangel Michael early XV century, ie 1410 From the collection of the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.

“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.

Spewing an apocalyptic, lightning-strewn plume this weekend, Chile's Puyehue volcano burst back to life after a decades-long slumber. — Spewing an apocalyptic, lightning-strewn plume, Chile’s Puyehue volcano burst back to life after a decades-long slumber.

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