Jesus talks to the disciples about end times
Bible Accent: Matthew
Saint for Today: St. Clelia Barbieri
Jesus talks to the disciples about end times
For reading of Sunday, 11-28-10
The disciples asked Jesus what events might take place before the end of the world. Jesus told them to watch the skies, day and night. He quoted to them from the words of the prophet Isaiah. “. . . the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.”
Jesus spread his hands out, then he brought them to his mouth, as if he were playing a horn, and said, “And he will send out his angels with a trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
On the faces of the disciples were expressions of confusion and apprehension. Jesus tried to use an example of something they were familiar with to explain what he was trying to tell them. “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, know that he is near, at the gates.”
In order to instill a spirit of watchfulness in his friends, Jesus said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. . . . They did not know until the flood came and carried them away. So it will be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.”
Jesus put one finger to his lips and said softly, “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake, and not let his house be broken into.”
READ MORE ABOUT IT:
Matthew 24
Q&A
1. Where did Jesus tell his disciples to look for signs?
2. Who would come in the clouds with glory?
Bible Accent: Matthew
Matthew had previously been known by the name of Levi, but after he became a apostleof Jesus, he is only listed in scripture as Matthew. He was a tax collector, and therefore a very unpopular person. Even the Pharisees did not like tax collectors, because they considered on a level with sinners. When the Pharisees criticized Jesus for having a meal with Matthew and others, Jesus replied, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.” Matthew was with Jesus for his trial and crucifixion, and again when Jesus ascended into heaven. Not much accurate information exists about the life of Matthew after that moment, but his selection as one of the first apostles of Jesus is another example of how God chooses ordinary people to be his followers, rather than people who are selfish and conceited by their prominent political positions, such as the Pharisees.
Saint for Today: St. Radbod
Radbod (d. 918), had a grandfather who was a pagan and a king. Fortunately, he received religious instruction from his mother’s brother who was the Bishop of Cologne. Not much more is known about the childhood and youth of Radbod, but he wrote hymns, sermons and poems. As an example of the humility with which he served the Lord, he wrote, “I, Radbod, a sinner, have been taken, though unworthy, into the company of the ministers of the church of Utrecht; with whom I pray that I may attain eternal life.” He eventually became a monk and the Bishop of Utrecht. He fasted often and earned a reputation for his kindness. We honor him on November 29.
