Trinity III (Michaelmas)

The weeks of Trinity 19-23, called Michaelmas, speak of the struggle of the Church against Satan and the powers of darkness. The name comes from the fact that the beginning of this mini-season is the day the Church observes as St. Michael and All Angels’ (September 29). These Sundays are a reminder that it is for good reason we are called the Church Militant: Satan seeks to destroy the Church and to lure Christians from the flock of Christ. Yet God defends His Church, through the work of His Holy Angels and by the proclamation of His Holy Gospel. The last Sunday of Trinity III is Reformation Sunday, a fitting end to a season which focuses on our battle against “the old evil foe.”

This is such an important theme that it was intended that these lessons be read every year. Thus, in many places, no matter what Sunday after Trinity we may be on, the first Sunday after September 29 is considered Trinity 19 or Michaelmas 2, and we skip to those readings. -Laache: Book of Family Prayer p. 613.