Reflection on Colossians 1:9-14 and Matthew 24:15-35
XXIV Sunday after Pentecost
In this penultimate Sunday of the liturgical year, the Church calls us to reflect on the themes of spiritual wisdom, redemption, and the hope of Christ’s return. The readings from Colossians 1:9-14 and Matthew 24:15-35 invite us to ground our faith in Christ’s saving power and prepare ourselves for the fulfillment of His kingdom.
Walking Worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:9-14)
Paul’s prayer for the Colossians centers on their spiritual growth, urging them to be filled with “the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9). This knowledge is not merely intellectual but transformative, calling believers to live lives “worthy of the Lord.” The Apostle envisions a faith that bears fruit in good works, deepens in the knowledge of God, and draws strength from His glorious might.
St. John Chrysostom highlights the connection between knowledge and conduct:
“To know God’s will is to act according to it. Paul prays for their spiritual enlightenment so that their works may shine in the world, reflecting the divine wisdom they have received.”
This passage also reassures us of our deliverance from darkness into the kingdom of light. Through Christ, we have been redeemed and forgiven, a theme echoed by St. Ambrose:
“It is Christ who plucks us from the shadow of sin and death, planting us firmly in the realm of His light and grace. To walk in His light is the true calling of the redeemed.”
For us, this reminder serves as an invitation to consider how our lives reflect the light of Christ. Do we strive to know His will? Are our actions bearing the fruit of faith?
The Sign of the Times (Matthew 24:15-35)
Jesus’ discourse on the end times in Matthew 24 is both sobering and hopeful. He warns of tribulations—wars, natural disasters, and false prophets—that will precede His return. The “abomination of desolation” (v. 15), a phrase rooted in the prophecy of Daniel, signifies a period of great trial and desecration. Yet, amid these warnings, Jesus emphasizes vigilance, trust, and hope in the certainty of His coming.
St. Augustine provides a profound interpretation of these words, urging us not to fear but to watch with faith:
“The world groans under the weight of its final trials, but these pains are as the travail of childbirth, heralding the new creation. The believer, then, does not despair but lifts his head, for redemption is near.”
The imagery of the fig tree teaches that discernment is key. Just as one reads the seasons through nature, so too must we read the signs of God’s work in history. Origen reflects on this:
“The fig tree is the soul. When it begins to bear fruit in repentance, it signals the approach of summer—the season of grace and salvation.”
Living in Light of His Return
Together, these readings call us to live in the tension of the “already and not yet.” We are redeemed in Christ but await the fullness of His kingdom. In this waiting, we are not idle. Paul exhorts us to “endurance and patience with joy” (Col. 1:11), while Jesus commands vigilance and faithfulness.
The Church Fathers remind us that this vigilance is not passive but active, rooted in a life of prayer, sacramental grace, and acts of mercy. As Cyril of Jerusalem writes:
“Let us stand ready with lamps lit, as wise virgins awaiting the bridegroom, so that when He comes, He will find us prepared, clothed in the garment of righteousness.”
As we near the close of the liturgical year, let us take these words to heart. May we walk as children of light, confident in the redemption Christ has won and hopeful in the promise of His return. Let our lives bear witness to the kingdom that is coming, even as we await its consummation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, fill us with the knowledge of Your will so that we may walk in a manner worthy of You. Strengthen us to endure with patience, bearing fruit in every good work. As we await the return of Your Son, keep us vigilant and hopeful, trusting in the promise of redemption. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.