Introit:Ps 115:2-4, 8, 17-18 (antiphon: Ps 115:11)
Gradual: [Rev. 7:14b; Ps. 84:5]
Psalm: Ps 148 (antiphon: Ps 148:13)
OT: Ex 3:1-15
Epistle:2 Th 2:1-8, 13-17
Proper Verse: Luke 20:38
Gospel: Luke 20:27-40

The Triune God Curbs Evil and Overcomes Death with Resurrection
Christians live as "sons of God, being sons of the resurrection" (Luke 20:36), for the Lord our God "is not God of the dead, but of the living" (Luke 20:38). "Those who deny that there is a resurrection" (Luke 20:27) neither know the Scriptures nor the power of God, but the baptized faithful know "that the dead are raised" (Luke 20:37). For the Lord, who was, and is and is to come, knows Israel's sufferings and has "come down to deliver them" (Ex. 3:8). Moses reveals the name of Yahweh to God's chosen people, by which He is "remembered throughout all generations" (Ex. 3:15). In contrast to that sacred remembrance of His name, St. Paul warns against the antichrist, who "takes his seat in the temple of God" (2 Thess. 2:4). That lawless man preaches and practices the activity of Satan. Christians, however, are comforted by the coming of the Lord Jesus, who slays the antichrist and refutes his false doctrine "with the breath of his mouth" (2 Thess. 2:8). By His preaching, "stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught" (2 Thess. 2:15). Hear, receive and believe God's promise of love, comfort and good hope.

Introit:Ps 121:1, 2, 5, 7-8 (antiphon: Luke 21:33)
Gradual: [Rev. 7:14b; Ps. 84:5]
Psalm: Ps 98 (antiphon: Ps 98:9b)
OT: Mal 4:1-6
Epistle:2 Th 3:(1-5) 6-13
Proper Verse: Luke 21:28b
Gospel: Luke 21:5-28 (29-36)

God's Plan of Redemption Trumps Earthly Destruction and Violence
There are signs of the Lord's coming all around: the cross that marks His Church, the violence and death of the sinful world, and the shaking of the natural order. "There will be great distress upon the earth" (Luke 21:23), but the faithful know that "the kingdom of God is near" (Luke 21:31). Therefore, "straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (Luke 21:28). Be awake and alert, and heed the words of Christ, which "will not pass away" (Luke 21:33). For you "the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings" (Mal. 4:2). He sends His preachers of repentance in the spirit and power of Elijah "before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes" (Mal. 4:5), in order to "direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ" (2 Thess. 3:5). Although you are often faithless, "the Lord is faithful," and by the preaching of His Word "he will establish you and guard you against the evil one" (2 Thess. 3:3). Therefore, "do not grow weary in doing good" (2 Thess. 3:13). In the midst of calamity, believe upon the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Introit:Ps 134 (antiphon: Ps 33:8)
Gradual: [Rev. 7:14b; Ps. 84:5]
Psalm: Ps 46 (antiphon: Ps 46:7)
OT: Mal 3:13-18
Epistle:Col 1:13-20
Proper Verse: Luke 23:43
Gospel: Luke 23:27-43

Jesus Christ Reigns, Enduring the Cross „ Its Scorn and Shame
The Lord Jesus reigns in love among those who are baptized in His name. "They shall be mine," He says, "and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him" (Mal. 3:17). Jesus' service through crucifixion for sinful men anchors us in new life. In the proclamation of His Son, God makes His justice clear, defining "the distinction between the righteous and the wicked" (Mal. 3:18). He truly is "the King of the Jews" (Luke 23:38), who governs His Church with all authority in heaven and on earth. He has come into His kingdom by His cross, and He graciously remembers us in paradise. Therefore, do not weep for Him, but with repentant faith "weep for yourselves and for your children" (Luke 23:28). Then the mountains and hills of Jerusalem, His holy Church, shall cover you with His righteousness and peace. For He "is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation" (Col. 1:15). "All things were created through him and for him" (Col. 1:16), and "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" bodily in Him, reconciling all things to Himself "by the blood of his cross" (Col. 1:19_20).