ACC ~ Luke 17 v34 - 35

CHRIST COMES AT NIGHT

AMBROSE: He fittingly said, “night,” because the Antichrist is the hour of darkness. The Antichrist spreads darkness in the hearts of people, when he says he is the Christ. … Christ, like flashing lightning, [1] scatters the spheres of his light throughout the world. He does not wander through the desert. He is not enclosed in some other places, because the Lord says, “I fill heaven and earth.” [2] He shines with the light of his splendor, so that we may see his glory in that night of the resurrection. EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 8.46. [3]

[1] Mt 24:27.

[2] Jer 23:24.

[3] EHG 348-49**.

A CHARITABLE LIFE

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: By the two who are in one bed, he seems to hint at those who live in rest and plenty. They are equal to one another, as far as being possessed of worldly affluence. The bed is the symbol of rest. He says, “One of them will be taken, and one will be left.” How is one taken? Not all those who are possessed of wealth and ease in this world are wicked and merciless. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 118. [1]

[1] CGSL 472**.

ONLY ONE IS RIGHTEOUS

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: He says, “Two women will be grinding at a mill. The one will be taken, and the other left.” By these he again seems to mean those who live in poverty and labor. Even in these, he says that there is a certain vast difference. Some have carried the burden of poverty courageously, honoring a serious and virtuous way of life. Others have been of a different character. They are planners for every wicked practice and all shamefulness. There will be even in their case a full and exact investigation of their manners. The good will be taken, and he that is not good will be left. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 118. [1]

[1] CGSL 472**.

BELIEVERS AND UNBELIEVERS

AMBROSE: Two people in this world, which is very often compared with a field, [1] are believers and unbelievers. One will receive the reward of their merits; therefore the faithful one is taken, but the faithless is left. [2] EXPOSITION OF THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 8.52. [3]

[1] See Mt 13:38.

[2] Mt 24:40.

[3] EHG 352**.