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Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
42
Watch ye therefore, because ye know not what hour your Lord will come.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"To ensure the disciples would not doubt His message, He reiterates, \\"Watch therefore, for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come.\\" Though He has shared insights about the timing, He cautions them against inquiring further, urging them to maintain a constant state of vigilance. This is precisely why He commands them to \\"watch,\\" indicating His purpose for not revealing the final day. By withholding the hour of His return, He intends for them to remain alert and perpetually prepared. His desire is for them to always be eager to encounter Him and to live righteously, explaining that He will arrive unexpectedly. The essence of His message is that if individuals were aware of the moment of their death, they would undoubtedly prepare for it, diverting their focus solely to that hour. Hence, He does not specify the final day for humanity or the individual’s death, wanting them to continuously anticipate the time of their departure, making it a matter of persistent consideration. He also explicitly identifies Himself as Lord, a declaration He has not made so clearly before. This appears to be a rebuke directed at the indifferent, as they fail to devote the same attention to their souls as those who vigilantly guard their possessions. Just as a person stays alert when anticipating a thief to protect their goods, He points out that, despite knowing the Lord's inevitable return, they remain unprepared and unaware, risking the sudden arrival of death. This is why that day brings disaster to the negligent. If the wealthy man had known when he would be robbed, he would have taken protective measures; similarly, you would have secured yourselves had you been ready. Following His mention of judgment, He shifts His focus toward teachers, addressing both the consequences of their actions and the rewards for the righteous. By initially describing the outcomes for the virtuous, He then contrasts them with the destiny of sinners, intending to instill a sense of fear in His audience through the conclusion of His address."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He now makes clear the reason for His earlier statement: But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the Son of Man, nor the angels, but the Father alone. This is so that the apostles may remain steadfast in their belief, despite uncertainty regarding the timing of His return. It is essential for them to hold firm in faith, expecting the arrival of Him whose coming they cannot predict. Furthermore, He did not claim that the hour of the Lord’s arrival is unknown; rather, He pointedly stated, You do not know. By referencing the householder’s example, He elucidates more explicitly His silence regarding the day of His own passion, stating:"},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Stay vigilant, for when the body rests, it falls under the sway of nature, and actions occur not through our choice but rather by compulsion, driven by natural instincts. Likewise, when the soul is enveloped in a deep slumber—be it fear or sorrow—the adversary gains control and acts in ways contrary to its desires. While nature is governed by compelling forces, the soul is subjected to the influence of the foe. Thus, the alertness that our Lord emphasized applies to both aspects of humanity: to the body, to protect it from sleepiness, and to the soul, to safeguard it from numbness and fear. As He instructs, ‘Be sobered in righteousness’ (cf. 1 Cor. 15:34), and ‘I am awake, and .... I am with you’ (cf. Ps. 138:18). Furthermore, He warns, “Do not be slothful” (cf. Rom. 12:11). Therefore, let us shirk laziness in the tasks entrusted to us."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The Lord instructs us to be vigilant and prepare ourselves by engaging in righteous deeds, ensuring that when He returns, we can offer Him what delights Him. It is important to note that the Saviour did not say, ‘I do not know at what hour the thief arrives,’ but rather ‘you do not know.’ The term \\"thief\\" symbolizes the end of life and death that awaits us all. Just as the thief appears unannounced, He explains, His return will also catch many off guard; therefore, we must not be complacent but remain alert. If we were aware of when our lives would conclude, we might only make an effort to please God at that final moment. However, since we lack this knowledge, we must continuously strive to perform virtuous deeds."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In the Gospel of Mark, it is stated, \\"Watch, watch, and pray: you do not know when the time will be,\\" referring to the Second Coming. The essence of being watchful extends beyond merely refraining from sleep; it encompasses a broader vigilance and caution. Similarly, in the Gospel of Luke, it is advised, \\"But take heed to yourselves, lest when your hearts are weighed down with eating and drinking and worldly sorrows, that day come upon you suddenly: for as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.\\" This imagery of a snare illustrates the unforeseen and abrupt nature of that moment. The term \\"the face of the earth\\" signifies its surface, where those who inhabit it reside. Furthermore, it instructs us to maintain a constant spirit of prayer: \\"keep vigil at all times praying, that you may be able to flee all these things that shall come to pass,\\" referring to deceivers and various adversities."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"If one were to truly reflect on it, there would be no sinners; yet this truth often escapes remembrance, despite an inherent awareness of its validity. Even the most devoted ascetics struggled to maintain a clear recollection of it and instead tended to fixate on it within their consciousness, ensuring it remained present: some kept a coffin in their cell, others would inquire among fellow ascetics about the coffin and burial site, while some displayed images of death and judgment, employing various other reminders. Death itself does not affect the soul; it does not dwell on it. However, that which follows immediately after death is inescapable for the soul, as it holds the key to its eternal destiny. Why does it fail to remember this truth? It deceives itself, believing that its time is not yet at hand or that circumstances may somehow turn in its favor. This is a sorrowful folly! There is no doubt that a soul harboring such thoughts is neglectful and indulges itself. How then can it expect a favorable outcome at the judgment? Rather, one must strive to remain vigilant, akin to a student approaching an examination. Regardless of other pursuits, the exam remains at the forefront of the mind; such awareness compels them to use every moment wisely, fully dedicating their time to preparation. Would that we could cultivate such an attitude!"},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To prevent His disciples from inquiring further, He emphasizes once more: Stay AWARE, avoid spiritual slumber, and be vigilant to the signs of the times, always prepared to encounter the Lord at any moment, for YOU CANNOT PREDICT WHEN YOUR LORD WILL ARRIVE. St. Chrysostom notes that He did not claim, \\"I do not know,\\" but rather, \\"you do not know.\\" Having nearly revealed the precise time, He reiterates the importance of remaining watchful, desiring them to be perpetually alert."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Be vigilant and avoid spiritual slumber; stay alert to the indications of the times and remain prepared for the Lord's return. To be adequately prepared, it is essential to live a life of righteousness. Since the exact moment of the Lord’s arrival or one’s own passing is unknown, it is crucial to be ready at all times."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In this teaching, Jesus Christ emphasizes the urgency of His Second Coming, urging all His followers to be vigilant. He reiterates this message multiple times, warning against the dangers of complacency and the attachment to material possessions and concerns. He encourages them to remain spiritually alert and to always be prepared to greet Him with a pure heart. \\n\\nIf a homeowner were aware of the time a thief would arrive, he would remain alert only during that period to prevent a break-in. However, since the timing is unknown, he must keep watch throughout the night. Similarly, be prepared at all times, for the Son of Man will arrive at an hour you do not expect. Being prepared for the Lord's return involves not merely contemplating His coming and anticipating it, but also engaging in lifelong preparation. This entails a commitment to living according to His commandments, rather than following personal desires, recognizing and repenting for past sins, seeking forgiveness with sincere tears, and pledging to resist future temptations. \\n\\nShould we stumble morally, it is crucial to rise again, reflect on our failures, repent anew, and earnestly request the Lord's mercy and forgiveness for our transgressions, that they may not be held against us. We must avoid complacency, resisting the notion that the end times and Last Judgment are distant events, as we know neither the moment nor the hour of our departure from this life—when we will die. After death, there is no opportunity for repentance. Let us remain vigilant, resisting the snare of worldly worries and possessions, keeping our spirits awake to guard against all temptations and deviations from righteousness, so that we may confidently stand before the Judgment of the Son of Man."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"That day will arrive unexpectedly, and while it will serve as a day of recompense for all devoted servants, it will simultaneously be a time of judgment for those who have not achieved their true purpose and are unprepared for this significant occasion. To engrave the essence of vigilance and faithfulness more deeply in their hearts, and to clearly caution them against the perils of a careless existence and the dimming of the lamp of vigilance, He presented them with two parables: the ‘ten virgins’ and the ‘talents.’ These narratives, marked by their simplicity and depth of meaning, illustrated the momentous day of divine judgment, when the Sovereign of Heaven will divide nations and individuals from one another, akin to a shepherd distinguishing between the sheep and the goats."}]}
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