In the Spirit of Feria Quinta infra Hebdomadam XXIV post Octavam Pentecostes
The readings for Feria Quinta this week present us with a rich tapestry of divine wisdom, calling us to deeper contemplation of God’s will and the urgency of remaining vigilant in our faith. Both St. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians and Our Lord’s prophetic discourse on the end times invite us to ponder the relationship between spiritual maturity, divine providence, and the Christian’s preparation for the eschaton.
Colossians 1:9-14: Walking Worthy of the Lord
In this passage, St. Paul expresses his heartfelt prayer that the Colossians might be filled with “the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Col 1:9). This knowledge is not mere intellectual assent but a transformative intimacy with God, enabling the believer to “walk worthy of the Lord” (Col 1:10).
St. John Chrysostom reflects on this theme, emphasizing that the “knowledge of His will” must lead to action:
“It is not enough to know the will of God, but one must also conform to it, bearing fruit in every good work. For the knowledge which does not produce fruit makes the soul idle and arrogant.”
Chrysostom reminds us that wisdom and understanding are not ends in themselves; they must flower into charity, patience, and thanksgiving.
Paul’s description of the Christian’s inheritance—being delivered from the “power of darkness” and translated into the “kingdom of His beloved Son” (Col 1:13)—resonates with the imagery of Exodus. St. Augustine notes that this deliverance is the work of divine grace:
“As Israel was drawn out of Egypt by God’s mighty hand, so too are we drawn out of the slavery of sin and brought into the light of the Kingdom. It is not by our own strength, but by His mercy that we are made heirs of eternal life.”
This reflection encourages us to live with a spirit of gratitude, recognizing our redemption as a divine gift.
Matthew 24:15-35: The Coming Judgment
Turning to the Gospel, Our Lord speaks of the “abomination of desolation” and the tribulations that will precede the end of the age (Matt 24:15). His words are both a warning and a call to hope. The prophecy of destruction is a reminder that all earthly things are transient, while His promises remind us that “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Matt 24:35).
St. Jerome provides a compelling commentary on the “abomination of desolation,” interpreting it as both a historical event (the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem) and a prefiguration of the final apostasy:
“The abomination standing in the holy place signifies a time when error and profanation shall take the place of truth and holiness. This serves as a warning to all ages, that we must never grow complacent in our faith.”
Moreover, the Church Fathers saw in this passage a dual layer of meaning: immediate fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem and ultimate fulfillment in the final judgment. St. Cyril of Jerusalem admonishes believers to prepare their souls:
“Let us not be like those who slumbered when the bridegroom delayed but keep our lamps burning, for we know neither the day nor the hour.”
The exhortation to vigilance is further echoed by St. Gregory the Great, who writes:
“The Lord does not reveal the time of His coming, that we might remain ever watchful. For to know the time would breed negligence, but uncertainty fosters zeal.”
Living the Word Today
As we meditate on these readings, we are challenged to embrace two complementary virtues: spiritual growth and vigilance. The Epistle teaches us to grow in the knowledge of God, bearing fruits of holiness, while the Gospel reminds us that this growth must be lived in anticipation of Christ’s return.
To walk worthy of the Lord means to live with the end in mind—not as a source of fear but as a call to hope and perseverance. The Fathers consistently remind us that the Christian life is not passive. We are to labor in love, trusting in God’s grace to sustain us.
Practical Applications
- Examine Your Walk: Are you growing in the “knowledge of His will” as St. Paul prayed for the Colossians? Take time to study Scripture and the teachings of the Church to align your life more closely with God’s will.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Reflect on your deliverance from darkness into Christ’s kingdom. How can this awareness shape your prayer life and daily actions?
- Stay Vigilant: Like the wise virgins in the parable, prepare your soul by frequenting the sacraments and maintaining a life of prayer and charity.
A Prayerful Reflection
O Lord, grant us the wisdom and spiritual understanding to walk worthy of You, bearing fruit in every good work. Help us to remain vigilant, with hearts ever burning for Your return. As we await the fulfillment of Your promises, may we be strengthened by Your grace and ever grateful for the inheritance You have prepared for us in Your Son. Amen.
In this season, let us keep our lamps burning brightly, walking as children of the light and ever mindful that Heaven and earth shall pass away, but His words shall not pass away.