“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand...” (Luke 21:20.)
Saint Cyril of Alexandria comments on this verse from the Gospel proclaimed at Mass today:
“To make his prediction even clearer and to mark more plainly the time of its capture, Jesus says, “When you have seen Jerusalem surrounded with armies, then know that its destruction is near.” Afterwards, he again transfers his words from this subject to the time of the consummation. He says, “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress of nations in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” Since creation begins to be changed and brings unendurable terrors on the inhabitants of earth, there will be a certain fearful tribulation. There will also be souls departing to death. The unendurable fear of those things that are coming will be sufficient for the destruction of many.” (Commentary on Luke, «Homily 139»)
Collect
O God,
source and origin of all fatherhood,
who kept the Martyrs
Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions
faithful to the Cross of Your Son,
even to the shedding of their blood,
grant, through their intercession,
that, spreading Your love
among our brothers and sisters,
we may be Your children both in name and in truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
source and origin of all fatherhood,
who kept the Martyrs
Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions
faithful to the Cross of Your Son,
even to the shedding of their blood,
grant, through their intercession,
that, spreading Your love
among our brothers and sisters,
we may be Your children both in name and in truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
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
