First Reading
Daniel 12:1-3
“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. 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. 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.
Second Reading
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18
And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, then to wait until his enemies should be made a stool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified. Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Gospel
Mark 13:24-32
“But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Reflection
In this passage, Jesus speaks of cosmic disturbances and the coming of the Son of Man, emphasizing a time of great upheaval and divine intervention. The imagery of darkened skies and falling stars serves as a reminder of the transient nature of our world and the ultimate sovereignty of God. This passage calls us to remain vigilant and grounded in our faith, prepared for the unknown. It encourages reflection on the impermanence of earthly matters and the importance of aligning ourselves with spiritual truths. How do we stay alert and steadfast in our faith amidst life’s uncertainties?