As the liturgical year draws toward its solemn close, the readings for the XXIV Sunday after Pentecost provide a profound opportunity for reflection on the themes of divine deliverance, the end times, and the Christian’s call to perseverance and thanksgiving. Rooted in the sacred texts of Colossians 1:9-14 and Matthew 24:15-35, these passages echo both the hope and urgency that characterize the Church’s eschatological vision. Turning to the wisdom of the Church Fathers deepens our understanding of these scriptures, grounding our reflections in the rich soil of tradition.
Colossians 1:9-14: A Prayer for Growth in Christ
St. Paul, writing to the Colossians, prays that they might “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9). This prayer is not merely for intellectual insight but for a transformative participation in God’s salvific plan. He exhorts them to “walk worthy of the Lord,” bearing fruit in good works, growing in strength through divine grace, and giving thanks for their inheritance among the saints (1:10-12). This gratitude arises from the deliverance granted through Christ, “who has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of His beloved Son” (1:13).
The Fathers on Spiritual Growth and Deliverance
St. John Chrysostom emphasizes the inseparability of spiritual knowledge and action:
“Paul shows that knowledge without a corresponding life is unprofitable, for it is not enough to know the will of God, but to do it also is required” (Homilies on Colossians, 1).
The “inheritance” mentioned by St. Paul is interpreted by St. Augustine as the eternal kingdom, prefigured in the Church but fully realized in heaven:
“We are already rescued from darkness, for we have received the light of faith. But the full possession of our inheritance is reserved for that life where there is no darkness at all” (Exposition on the Psalms, 36).
This passage calls us to reflect on our own walk with Christ. Are we growing in spiritual wisdom? Are we bearing fruit in charity and perseverance? As the Church year ends, we are reminded to cultivate thanksgiving for the gift of salvation, a central theme as we approach Advent.
Matthew 24:15-35: The End Times and the Call to Watchfulness
The Gospel shifts us to an eschatological tone, as Jesus warns His disciples of the “abomination of desolation” prophesied by Daniel. This phrase refers to a defilement so severe that it signifies the collapse of sacred order. Jesus’ discourse blends immediate prophecy—the destruction of Jerusalem—with the ultimate reality of His second coming. In both, He calls His followers to vigilance, faith, and trust in His words: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35).
The Fathers on the Abomination and Vigilance
The “abomination of desolation” is interpreted by St. Jerome as a dual prophecy:
“It applies to the profanation of the Temple by the Romans and also to the greater profanation that will occur under Antichrist at the end of the age” (Commentary on Matthew, 24).
St. Augustine adds that the tribulations described are not merely external but also internal:
“The abomination of desolation is found whenever the love of temporal things takes the place of the worship of God in the human soul” (City of God, 20.19).
This Gospel passage also challenges us to discern the signs of the times without succumbing to fear. St. Cyril of Jerusalem offers encouragement:
“Let us not dread the coming of the Lord; rather, let us expect it with joy. For to those who love Him, it will bring no terror” (Catechetical Lectures, 15).
A Unified Vision: Thanksgiving and Vigilance
Together, these readings remind us of two key aspects of the Christian life: thanksgiving for the salvation we have already received in Christ and vigilance as we await the consummation of His kingdom. In Colossians, St. Paul directs us to live as heirs of God’s light, free from the power of darkness, while Matthew’s Gospel warns us to remain steadfast amidst tribulation.
As we contemplate these themes in the context of the XXIV Sunday after Pentecost, we find a call to action:
1. Grow in Wisdom: Like the Colossians, we must seek a deeper knowledge of God’s will, allowing it to shape our actions and deepen our gratitude.
2. Stand Firm in Trial: As the Gospel warns, tribulation and temptation will come. Yet Christ’s promise endures: His word will never fail.
The words of St. Gregory the Great fittingly sum up this Sunday’s message:
“The kingdom of heaven is not simply promised to us, but also prepared for us. It is up to us to live so as to receive what is promised and find what is prepared” (Homilies on the Gospels, 1.13).
Practical Application for Today
• Meditation on Gratitude: This week, set aside time to reflect on how God has “delivered you from the power of darkness” (Col. 1:13). Offer thanksgiving for specific graces received.
• Acts of Charity: In gratitude, perform an act of charity for someone in need, mirroring the “good works” St. Paul encourages.
• Watchfulness in Prayer: Pray the Litany of the Saints or the Rosary, focusing on perseverance and trust as we await the coming of Christ.
Let this Sunday’s readings awaken in us a spirit of thanksgiving and vigilance, as we look forward to the fulfillment of God’s eternal promises in Christ.