“As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man...” (Luke 17:26.)
Saint Cyril of Alexandria comments on this verse from the Gospel proclaimed at Mass today:
“To show that he will appear unexpectedly and with no one knowing it, the Lord says that the end of the world will come and be as it was in the days of Noah and Lot. He says, “They were eating and drinking, and were taking wives and being made the wives of men. They were selling and buying and building,” but the coming of the waters destroyed the one, while the others were the prey and food of fire and brimstone. What does this signify? It signifies that he requires us to be always watchful and ready to make our defense before the tribunal of God.
The Savior was speaking of the last day, that is, the end of this world. Strengthening them to recall the last day and the end time, he commands them to disregard all earthly and temporary matters and look only to one end, the duty of everyone saving his soul. He says, “He that is on the housetop, do not let him go down to the house to carry away his goods.” In these words, he apparently means the one who is at ease, living in wealth and worldly glory. Those that stand on the housetops are always conspicuous in the eyes of those who are around the house.” (Commentary on Luke, 117-118)
The Savior was speaking of the last day, that is, the end of this world. Strengthening them to recall the last day and the end time, he commands them to disregard all earthly and temporary matters and look only to one end, the duty of everyone saving his soul. He says, “He that is on the housetop, do not let him go down to the house to carry away his goods.” In these words, he apparently means the one who is at ease, living in wealth and worldly glory. Those that stand on the housetops are always conspicuous in the eyes of those who are around the house.” (Commentary on Luke, 117-118)
Collect
O God,
Who made the Bishop Saint Albert
great by his joining
of human wisdom to divine faith, grant, we pray,
that we may so adhere to the truths he taught,
that through progress in learning we may come
to a deeper knowledge and love of You.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Who made the Bishop Saint Albert
great by his joining
of human wisdom to divine faith, grant, we pray,
that we may so adhere to the truths he taught,
that through progress in learning we may come
to a deeper knowledge and love of You.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
