ACC ~ Luke 17 v22 - 25

JESUS PREPARES HIS DISCIPLES FOR PERSECUTION

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: He now speaks to the holy disciples as his true companions. He says, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and will not see it.” … He would have them prepared for all that can cause people grief. He wants them ready to endure patiently so that approved they may enter the kingdom of God. He warns them that before his coming from heaven at the consummation of the world, tribulation and persecution will precede him. They will wish to see one of the days of the Son of man, such as those when they were still going around with Christ and speaking with him. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 117. [1]

[1] CGSL 468**.

ONE WHO KNOWS THE SIGNS KNOWS THE END

AMBROSE: He who knows the signs of the coming judgment also knows the end. Why would he not know? He is like flashing lightning, since as the Light, the Son of God [1] illumines the inner part of the heavenly mystery. “In that hour,” it says. He also knows the hour, but he knows it for himself, he does not know it for me. He then suitably asserts that the cause of the flood, fire and of the judgment proceeded from our sins, because God did not create evil, but our actions devised it for themselves. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 8.35-36. [2]

[1] :1–24:53 PRELIMINARY REMARKS | ON THE GOSPEL

[2] EHG 344-45**.

JESUS WILL COME IN GLORY LIKE LIGHTNING

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: At the end time of the world, he will not descend from heaven obscurely or secretly, but with godlike glory and as dwelling in the light which no one can approach. [1] He declared that his coming will be like the lightning. He was born indeed in the flesh of a woman, to fulfill the dispensation for our sakes. For this reason, he emptied himself, made himself poor, and no longer showed himself in the glory of the Godhead. [2] The season and the necessity of the dispensation summoned him to this humiliation. After his resurrection from the dead, ascension into heaven, and enthronement with God the Father, he will descend again. He will not descend with his glory withdrawn or in the lowliness of human nature. In the majesty of the Father with the companies of the angels guarding him, he will stand before him as God and Lord of all. He will come as the lightning, and not secretly. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 117. [3]

[1] 1 Tim 6:16.

[2] Phil 2:7.

[3] CGSL 468-69**.

THE KINGDOM MUST COME THROUGH SUFFERING BEFORE IT COMES IN GLORY

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: That they might know that he was about first to undergo his saving passion, abolish death by the death of his flesh, put away the sin of the world, destroy the ruler of this world, ascend to the Father and in due time appear to judge the world in righteousness, he says that he must first suffer many things. [1] COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 117. [2]

[1] Ps 96:13 (95:13 LXX).

[2] CGSL 469**.