34th Week in Ord. Time, Thursday – 26th November 2020 — Gospel: Lk 21,20-28
Time of Joyful Fulfilment
“The Son of Man coming in a cloud” is an image from the prophet Daniel which Jesus invokes as referring to his own majestic coming. The Son of Man comes with great power and glory, and he receives the authority of God’s kingdom. His appearance with cosmic signs represents the approach of the world’s consummation. While many will tremble and faint from fear, the disciples of Jesus may stand tall and raise their hands, for them the redemption is at hand. For the disciples, his coming means an end to the persecutions and terrors that have been described earlier. Whereas the Son of Man will come to judge the wicked, his coming means deliverance for the faithful. It also provides encouragement for the faithful when the very foundation of life seems to be shaken. Indeed, his coming will be a time of joyful fulfilment, when all of God’s promises to his people will be fully realized.
