ACC ~ Luke 21 v5 - 6

JESUS SPEAKS OF DESTRUCTION AND HIS SECOND COMING

AUGUSTINE: The future signs that are foretold in the Gospel according to Luke are the same as those in Matthew and Mark. [1] These three tell how the Lord answered his disciples. They asked him when the events that he had foretold of the destruction of the temple would happen. They also asked him what was to be the sign of his coming and of the end of the world. There is no discrepancy in the Gospels as to facts, although one tells one detail that another passes over or describes differently. They rather supplement each other when they are compared, and they thus give direction to the mind of the reader. It would take too long to discuss them all now. The Lord answered their questions by telling what was to happen from that time on: the destruction of Jerusalem that prompted their inquiry, and his coming in the church in which he does not cease to dwell until the end. Christ is recognized when he comes to his own, while his members are daily born. He said of this coming, “Hereafter you shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds.” [2] LETTER 199. [3]

[1] Mt 24:4-33; Mk 13:5-29.

[2] Mt 26:64.

[3] FC 30:375-76**.

THE MANSIONS IN HEAVEN

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: Some of them showed Christ the mighty works that were in the temple and the beauty of the offerings. They expected that he would admire the spectacle as they did, although he is God and heaven is his throne. He did not allow any regard for these earthly buildings, since they were unimportant. Absolutely nothing compared with the mansions that are above. Dismissing the conversation about them, he turned to what was necessary for their use. Christ forewarned them that however worthy of admiration they might think the temple was, yet at a certain time it would be destroyed from its foundations. The power of the Romans would tear it down and burn Jerusalem with fire, and retribution would be required from Israel for the Lord’s murder. They had to suffer these things after the Savior’s crucifixion. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 139. [1]

[1] CGSL 554**.