Signs of the End of Age
Today is the last Sunday of the Coptic Year, the short month of El-Nasi, and we read from Matthew 24:3-35. During this passage, similar to what was read last Sunday in (Mark 13:3-37), we read Jesus’ description of the end times to His disciples.
First, He describes signs of the beginning of the end times: “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (vv. 6). Additionally, He warns us multiple time about false christs and false prophets; for example, “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray,” (vv. 5) and “for false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (vv. 24). It is also interesting to note that He said to His disciples that at the end times “because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (vv. 12).
However disturbing or horrifying the end times will be, it is important to remember what these times mean for those who do and follow God’s will. For example, in response to undergoing tribulation, Christ says “But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (vv. 13). And later on, He says that at the end “and He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (vv. 31). That is implying that during His Second Coming, those who are faithful to Him will be taken up to Heaven. Therefore, as much as there will be chaos on Earth and punishment for those who are far away from God, there will be relief and peace to those who follow God’s will.
In terms of the structure of this Gospel, it is interesting the way Christ words it. On this matter, St. John Chrysostom says “Do you see how fearfully He has pictured His coming? How has He stirred up the spirits of His disciples? For this reason, let me add, He puts the mournful things first, and then the good things, that in this way also He may comfort and refresh them” (Homily 76 on Matthew (Chrysostom) ). This serves as a reminder that inasmuch as the end times is a time of mourning, let us also remember it is a time of rest for those who truly know Him.
Therefore, let us remain diligent until the end so we may be reunited with Him.
Sources:
- Bible, English Standard Version
- Catena Bible, Church Father Commentaries