As we near the end of the Church year, the liturgy for November 16 turns our hearts toward the coming of Christ our King, which we will celebrate on November 23.
The readings and prayers for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time on November 16 look ahead to the day at the end of time and beyond when the Lord will return.
In our first reading, the prophet Malachi envisions the end of the world and the rising of the “sun of justice.” In the Gospel from Luke 21:5-19, Jesus speaks of the trials that will come before His return. Even with these challenges, we are filled with hope: our Redeemer is coming, and His light will conquer the darkness.
Our Entrance Hymn, The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns, expresses that longing for His glorious return:
The King shall come when morning dawns
and light triumphant breaks,
when beauty gilds the eastern hills
and life to joy awakes.
Not as of old a little child,
to bear, and fight, and die,
but crowned with glory like the sun
that lights the morning sky.
When Christ comes again, it will not be in the humility of Bethlehem, but in radiant glory—as the conquering King, victorious over sin and death. At Communion, we echo the song of heaven from Revelation, “Worthy is the Lamb,” joining the saints and angels in praise of the One who is truly present among us.
Our Closing Song on Saturday, November 15, Day of the Lord, calls us to readiness for His coming. On Sunday, we’ll end with How Firm a Foundation, reminding us that even amid trial, those who stand on Christ, our Rock, will not be shaken. As this liturgical year draws to a close, may our songs renew our hope and deepen our longing for the fulfillment of His Kingdom—the day when the King shall come!