1st READING
Our choices will determine whether or not we make a difference to the people we serve and live with. The challenge is to reflect and be aware of the needs of others, and make decisions that improve on this reality. Prayer and reflection enable us to help others more.
Daniel 12:1-3
1 In those days, I, Daniel, heard this word of the Lord: “At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. 3 But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.”
P S A L M
Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11
R: You are my inheritance, O Lord!
5 O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. 8 I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. (R) 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; 10 because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. (R) 11 You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever. (R)
2nd READING
Today’s reading refers to the priests of the Old Testament. The sacrifices in the temple were symbols for what God does when He forgives our sins. The priests of the new covenant, the ordained ministers of the Church, offer the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This sacrifice has the power to save us from our sins. The sacrifice offered in the Eucharist is Jesus Himself, presented to us again in a sacramental way. Calvary and the empty tomb are made present to us whenever we attend Mass.
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
11 Brothers and sisters: Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; 13 now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated. 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for sin.
GOSPEL
No one knows when the second coming of Jesus will be. Imagine how chaotic life would become if we knew the date of the end of the world. This is why God keeps it a secret. As we await His coming again, let us grow in faith and trust in our Lord and Savior.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
Mark 13:24-32
24 Jesus said to his disciples: “In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 “And then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory, 27 and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky. 28 “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates. 30 Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 “But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
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