33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B (2021)

The readings for the Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year B speak of heavenly battles and being prepared. In the first reading (Daniel 12:1-3) we hear of St. Michael the Archangel who is a guardian. The psalm (Psalm 16:5, 8, 9-10, 11) reminds us “you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld .” The second reading (Hebrews 10:11-14, 18) Paul encourages us with the news that Jesus Christ has made the perfect offering for us. And in the gospel (Mark 13:24-32), Jesus speaks of coming darkness and tells us to be ready.

So some topics for this weekend are archangels, angels, spiritual battle, and readiness. Here are some ideas:

Guardian Angel Prayer

The traditional guardian angel prayer is something we teach young children, but it is a wonderful prayer for Christians of all ages. Praying it connects us with our guardian angel who is always with us, watching over us. October 2 is the Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels.

St. Michael the Archangel Prayer

St. Michael the Archangel is a warrior who fights evil. He is a protector.  Children can understand St. Michael as a spiritual superhero whose nemesis is Satan.  He is often depicted dressed in armor, but maybe a cape would be more representative of St. Michael's role to today's youth. The feast day of the archangels is September 29.

Be Like the Stars

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. 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.