33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
In our reading, the prophet Daniel tells us about the end of time. The great prince, (also known as St. Michael the Archangel) will protect us. There will be much suffering but all those who believe in God will be safe. Those who have already died will wake up for their judgement. Some will live in happiness in heaven forever and some will be punished in heal. The wise followers will shine like beautiful stars forever.
In our gospel, the end of the world will come one day. Mark tells us of many signs: people will perform miracles, people will claim to be Christ or one of the great prophets, people will try to change your love for God. Jesus will come with his angels and gather everyone who believes in God and has followed his ways. God is the only one who knows when this will all happen.
Special Saint/Feast Day: St. Albert the Great – November 15
Albert was born in 1206 in Germany. He went to University in Italy. There he decided to become a Dominican even though his uncle and father were against it.
Albert loved to study. The natural sciences, especially physics, astronomy, geography, and biology interested him. He wrote many books on these sciences, as well as philosophy, mathematics, the Bible, and theology. In one of his works, he proved that the earth was round. He was a popular teacher in different schools.
As St. Albert grew older, he became more holy. He had expressed his deep thoughts in his writings and in his whole way of living for God.
St. Albert is the patron saint of students and of the natural sciences.
We can learn from St. Albert to appreciate and use our minds. Let’s pray to St. Albert, asking him to help us develop a healthy curiosity about the world around us, and especially about God, who created all things and set the laws that govern nature.