A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.

Jesus said to the disciples: “But in those days, after that time of distress, the sun will be darkened, the moon will lose its brightness, the stars will fall from the sky and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Promised One coming in the clouds with great power and glory; then the angels will be sent to gather the chosen from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

“Take the fig tree as a parable: as soon as its twigs grow supple and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Promised One is near, right at the door. The truth is, before this generation has passed away, all these things will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“But as for that day or hour, nobody knows it—neither the angels of heaven nor the Only Begotten—no one but Abba God. Be constantly on the watch! Stay awake! You do not know when the appointed time will come.

“It is like people traveling abroad.  They leave their home and put the workers in charge, each with their own task; and those who watch at the front gate are ordered to stay on the alert.  So stay alert!  You do not know when the owner of the house is coming, whether at dusk, at midnight, when the cock crows, or at early dawn.  Do not let the owner come suddenly and catch you asleep.  What I say to you, I say to all: stay alert!”

The Good News as spoken through Mark.