ACC ~ Luke 12 v36 - 40

CHRIST RETURNS TO SERVE US

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: We should look for Christ’s coming again from heaven. He will come in the glory of the Father with the holy angels. He has taught us saying that we must be like those who wait for their lord to return from the banqueting house, so that when he comes and knocks, they may open the door to him immediately. For Christ will return as from a feast. This plainly shows that God always dwells in festivals that are fitting for him. In heaven above, there is no sadness whatsoever since nothing can occasion grief. That heavenly nature is incapable of passion and of being affected by anything whatsoever of this kind. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 92. [1]

[1] CGSL 371**.

THE THREE WATCHES CORRESPOND TO THE THREE AGES

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: We typically divide the night into three or four watches. The sentinels on the city walls, who watch the motions of the enemy, after being on guard three or four hours, deliver the watch and guard over to others. With us, there are three ages. The first is childhood. The second is youth. The third is old age. Now the first of these, in which we are still children, is not called to account by God but is deemed worthy of pardon, because of the innocence as yet of the mind and the weakness of the understanding. The second and the third—the periods of adulthood and old age—owe obedience and piety of life to God, according to his good pleasure. Whoever is found watching and well belted, whether by chance he is still young or has arrived at old age, shall be blessed. For he will be counted worthy of attaining to Christ’s promises. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 92. [1]

[1] CGSL 372**.

JESUS REVERSES OUR EXPECTATIONS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: When he comes and finds us girded, awake and our hearts enlightened, then he immediately will make us blessed. “He will gird his loins and serve them.” By this, we learn that he will reward us proportionately. Since we are weary with toil, he will comfort us, setting before us spiritual banquets and spreading the abundant table of his gifts. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 92. [1]

[1] CGSL 372**.

PREPAREDNESS THE MARK OF A CHRISTIAN

BASIL THE GREAT: What is the mark of a Christian? It is to watch daily and hourly and to stand prepared in that state of total responsiveness pleasing to God, knowing that the Lord will come at an hour that he does not expect. THE MORALS 22. [1]

[1] FC 9:205*.