Reading from the Book of Daniel (12:1-3): At that time Michael will arise, the great prince who will defend the sons of your people. It will be a time of trouble such as has not occurred since the beginning of the nations. At that time your people will be saved, everyone found written in the Book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, some to shame and to the furnace of eternity. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars for ever. Word of God Psalm Ps 15:5.8.9-10.11 R/. Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. The Lord is my portion of inheritance and my cup; my lot is in your hand. The Lord is ever before me; with him at my right hand I will not be shaken. R/. Therefore my heart rejoices, my inwardness rejoices, and my flesh rests in safety. For you will not abandon me to death, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. R/. You will make me aware of the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with everlasting gladness at your right hand. R/. Second Reading A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (10:11-14.18): Every priest stands day after day at his service, offering again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But he, after offering one sacrifice for sins, sat down at the right hand of God forever, and from that time on he waited until his enemies would be made his footstool. By one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. Where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer an offering for sin. Word of God Gospel Reading of the holy gospel according to Saint Mark (13,24-32): At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: «In those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. Then he will send out his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens. Learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branches have already become tender and put forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So you too, when you see these things happen, know that he is near, at the doors. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.» Word of the Lord