Gospel
Matthew 24:37-44
37 Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. 39 They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 43 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. 44 So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Historical Background
Jesus is speaking to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, in what is known as the Olivet Discourse. This passage comes just after He foretells the destruction of the Temple and speaks of signs of the end times.
Jesus recalls the days of Noah (Genesis 6–9), when people lived ordinary lives—eating, drinking, marrying—until the flood suddenly came. This parallel emphasizes the unexpected nature of divine judgment. The imagery reflects Jewish apocalyptic thought, which often warned of sudden divine intervention and urged vigilance.
Theological Context
The passage highlights the unpredictability of Christ’s Second Coming. Unlike human schedules, God’s timing is hidden. Jesus urges His followers to “stay awake” spiritually, living in readiness rather than complacency.
The image of one being taken and another left underscores the seriousness of discipleship—faithfulness determines readiness. While the text warns of sudden judgment, it also reassures believers that vigilance and faith secure salvation.
Learning Lessons
Faith is not occasional but daily vigilance. Ordinary life can lull us into forgetting eternal realities. We should live with readiness and avoid complacency.
Salvation is not automatic by association; each person must respond to Christ. : Preparedness is not fear-driven but rooted in trust and hope in Jesus.
Reflection for the Day
Today, as Advent begins, Matthew 24:37–44 reminds us that Christ’s coming is both a promise and a challenge. Just as people in Noah’s time ignored the signs, we too can be distracted by routine. Advent calls us to awaken, to prepare our hearts, and to live each day as though Christ might return tonight. Readiness is not about anxiety but about living faithfully, lovingly, and attentively in God’s presence.
The night is deep, the stars still shine,
Yet dawn may break at God’s design.
Two walk the field, one disappears,
The other waits with trembling fears.
Stay awake, O soul, be wise,
Lift your gaze to heaven’s skies.
For Christ will come, both sure and true,
Let Him find His light in you.
Lord Jesus,
You remind us that Your coming will be sudden, like a thief in the night. Awaken my heart from slumber, free me from distractions, and teach me to live each day in readiness. Grant me faith that endures, hope that sustains, and love that prepares me to welcome You. May I be vigilant, not fearful, and may Your life in me shine with Your light until You come again.
Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel Acclamation
Show us, Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
