Sunday between 13 and 19 November    

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time    Second Sunday before Advent (Year B)    Remembrance

(or the Sunday after Remembrance)

First Reading - Daniel 12.1-3

A reading from the book of Daniel. When the nation faces its greatest distress - greater than any since the nations first came into being - Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, will arise. And your people will be saved; all those whose names are recorded in the book. Many who have died will awake to judgement - some to shame and disgrace, and some to everlasting life. Those who have been wise will shine with the brightness of heaven. And those who have led others in the ways of righteousness will shine, for ever, like the stars. This is the word of the Lord.

Second Reading - Hebrews 10.11-14, 19-24

A reading from the letter to the Hebrews. The priest in the earthly temple offers the same sacrifices, day after day, that can never take away sin. But when Christ offered, for all time, a single sacrifice for sin, he sat down at the right hand of God, and his enemies became his footstool. For by his one offering of himself, he completed the work of taking away sin, in full, and for all time, so that we can now enter the most holy place with confidence. Christ himself is the new and living way into the most holy place, where once, only the high priest could enter. So with Christ as our high priest, let us approach God with a true heart, and the full assurance of our faith, knowing that we are purified by his sacrifice. And then let us continue to encourage one another, to love, and to good deeds. This is the word of the Lord.

Gospel - Mark 13.1-13

Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said, ‘Look at these huge stones, and magnificent buildings!’ Jesus said, ‘The day will come when not one stone will be left upon another.’ Later, when they were sitting opposite the temple at the Mount of Olives, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ‘When will this happen? And what will be the warning? How will we know?’ Jesus said, ‘Take care that no one misleads you. Many will come claiming my name, and many will be led astray. And when you hear of wars, and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed, for all this must take place - but the end is not yet. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be famines, and earthquakes; and these are only the beginnings of the pains of new birth. You will be handed over to the courts to be beaten, and dragged before governors and kings; but do not be afraid, for the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say. You will be hated because of my name; brother will betray brother to death, and a father will betray his child. Children will rise against parents, and have them put to death. But the good news will be proclaimed to all nations. And the one who endures to the end will be saved.’ This is the Gospel of the Lord.