Sunday, September 29, Third Sunday of the Exaltation, Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak

Matthew 24:30-36 

Then the sign of the Son Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 

“From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 

“But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 

* * * 

Galatians 6:14-18 

May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 

From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.  

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.