Gospel (Mt 24.37-44)
Then Jesus told his disciples: 37 "But as the days of Noah, so shall also the coming of the Son of man. 38 As in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did not know until the flood came and took them all, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men in the field: one shall be taken the other left. 41 Two women grinding at the mill: one will be taken the other left.
42 Watch therefore, for ye know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 this, that if the householder had known in What time of night the thief, have watched and would not have let his house be broken. 44 Therefore you also be ready, because hour you do not, the Son of man cometh. "
The language used in this Gospel can lead to bizarre interpretations (or even a rant) on the end of the world and the punishment of God may also be reduced to the invitation to be always ready because death can come suddenly and unprepared. These interpretations stem from the lack of understanding of the literary genre "apocalypse," which was widely used at the time of Jesus, but that is quite alien to our mentality and culture.
One principle should always remember: the gospel is, by nature, good news , proclamation of joy and hope. Who uses it to instill fear and create anxieties - you may be sure - it is being used improperly, has moved away from the true meaning of the text.
In the passage today - it's true - the tone is ominous: cataclysm, destruction, danger and death. The language is intentionally tough and incisive images are those of the trial punitive because Jesus wants to warn of the grave danger of losing the opportunity of salvation that God offers. Negligence, ignorance, the lack of attention to the signs of the times, the spiritual insensitivity lead to disaster. Who loses his head to the realities of this world and let soak out of business, those who live in the numbness, nell'ottundimento in search of pleasures, undergoes a dramatic revival.
But what are these images? We recall the context in which the piece is removed.
One day the disciples invite the Master to admire the magnificent building of the temple. Instead of sharing their justifiable pride, Jesus surprises them with a prophecy: "You see all these things? I assure you: Do not be left here one stone upon not be thrown down "(Mt 24:2). Jerusalem is decreeing that refuses to convert to their own downfall.
startled, then the disciples ask him two questions: when will this happen and what are the warning signs (Mt 24.3).
Instead of satisfying their curiosity, Jesus responded by introducing an education that is current for people of all ages: must remain vigilant . To clarify, it cites three examples.
The first is taken from a story in the Bible (Gen. 6-9). At the time of Noah lived two categories of people: some thought only to eat, drink and be merry, for they were unprepared and perished. Others were vigilant, alert to what might happen, they realized that the flood was coming, were saved and they started at a new humanity (vv. 37-39).
As the flood came suddenly, so - says Jesus - come, abruptly, the destruction of Jerusalem. How many died in the days of Noah, so also the Jews who will not want to recognize him as the messenger of God and not listen to his word, will perish in the catastrophe of the city. Those who have eyes and hearts open to recognize and accept its message will be saved and will start a new people.
The second example is inspired by the work that men and women of the people held every day working in the fields and prepare the flour for making bread (vv. 40-41). Just as we live more normal situations and seemingly trivial, some remain careful, wise people behave and perceive the Lord who comes. Others are distracted, careless, negligent and the foundations are laid for their destruction. The actions do appear to be identical: they commit themselves in work, earn a living, eat, drink, get married, is the way development which is radically different. Some are aware, let themselves be guided by the light of God and "be taken", that is saved, while others are overwhelmed by the cares of this world, do not keep in mind the "judgments of God" and "are left", that are not involved in the real world new in the kingdom of God
decision is taken is urgent and dramatic, the choice is between life and death, which is why Jesus insists: "Be watchful, because they do not know on what day your Lord will come" (v. 42). It is worth repeating: Jesus will not come for a showdown at the end of our lives, is today, with its saving trial.
The third example is even more clear: the thief will not warn you before you arrive, so the owner can not doze off, even for a moment, to keep awake, otherwise it may well have stolen them from all their possessions (v. 43).
this Amazing God! It acts like a thief, and seems to enjoy the moment in which man is unprepared to meet you to visit.
It is perhaps not the best because it suggests more the idea of \u200b\u200bthe threat that of salvation, but it is effective, it is a wake-up call: sull'incombente draws attention to the danger of not noticing the favorable time of day that the Lord is to involve us in peace.
Even the inhabitants of Jerusalem - Jesus meant - would have to ensure not to be taken by surprise then that the tragedy reached them. On another occasion, Jesus expressed his heartfelt appeal thus: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stones those who are sent, how many times I wanted to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you you did not want! " (Matt. 23:37).
The final conclusion takes up the theme of the song and applies it to his disciples in every age: "Even you are ready, because hour you do not, the Son of man cometh" (v. 44) .
We know what it means to lose favorable opportunities. Many times we have had the experience. The more surprising and unexpected, as most come from our fees and turn away from our judging criteria, the easier it is to pass up.
The come to God in our lives are always difficult to understand why do not conform to "human wisdom", are incompatible, are in contrast with the current mentality.
Only those who are "vigilant" and can recognize the "saved" here and now.
Fernando Armellini (biblical scholar)
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