Luke 17:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When, in your advanced years, you construct grand edifices, perhaps leaving them unfinished before your passing; when you cultivate trees that will yield fruit long after your time, or even plant varieties that produce only after a century; when you acquire lands and inheritances that will not reveal their value until far in the future; when you attend to matters you will never personally benefit from, do you really undertake all this for your own sake or for your heirs? Is it not a sign of profound folly that you remain untroubled by the lengthy process regarding earthly possessions, putting yourself at risk of forfeiting all that you have worked for, yet feel disheartened by the delays regarding heavenly pursuits? This delay, however, is truly advantageous for you and does not squander the promised blessings on others, but rather secures them for you. Furthermore, this waiting period is not extended, for we are on the brink of judgment; we cannot tell if our days will see all things concluded and that terrifying day will arrive, accompanied by His dreadful and harsh judgment. In fact, numerous signs have already come to pass: the Gospel has been proclaimed worldwide, and various disasters—plagues, quakes, and famine—have unfolded, with little time remaining. Are you unable to recognize these signs? This very situation serves as the greatest indication. Similarly, those living in the times of Noah failed to perceive the onset of their destruction and faced dreadful retribution while engaged in daily merriment, eating, marrying, and indulging in their usual activities. Likewise, the people of Sodom, caught in their festivities, did not anticipate the calamity that awaited them and were consumed by the flames that rained down. Thus, keeping all this in mind, let us strive to prepare ourselves for departure from this world. The ultimate end may not have come; yet, the conclusion for every individual, both young and old, is already imminent. It is no longer feasible for those who leave this life to procure oil or seek forgiveness, regardless of whether Abraham or Noah or Job or Daniel intercede for them. Therefore, while there is still time to ready ourselves to meet God with confidence, let us gather oil in abundance and bring all our good deeds to heaven, so that we may partake in these blessings in their proper time, especially when they are most needed, by the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and sovereignty, now and forevermore. Amen.

What cleanliness can emerge from the unclean? In those times, people will revel in every carnal delight, much like in the days of Noah, oblivious to any impending calamities, even dismissing warnings of disaster, akin to how the people of Noah and Lot lived.

To the righteous, He will proclaim, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Conversely, a grave judgment awaits the unrighteous, as they will be cast into an everlasting fire. Thus, if you wish to be worthy of God’s kingdom, Pharisee, strive to be among the righteous flock. Present to Christ the fruits of your faith and a life reflecting holiness as guided by the gospel. However, if you remain among the unrighteous—unfruitful, devoid of faith and good deeds—why do you inquire about the arrival of God’s kingdom? It holds no relevance for you. Instead, be mindful of the punishments awaiting unbelievers and the unquenchable fire destined for those who oppose Christ. To Him, and through Him, belongs the glory and dominion of God the Father, along with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

They ate, they drank, they married, and were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and the flood came and destroyed them all (Luke 17:26-27). This historical event also serves as a metaphor for future realities; hence, the flood represents both baptism for the faithful and judgment for the unfaithful. Similarly, the passage regarding the cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16) presents an image not derived from a historical event but instead crafted to signify Christ, predicting two distinct outcomes: He will be a stumbling block for those without faith and a cornerstone for believers.

We are called to repent, not merely by renouncing wrongful actions—an act even some nonbelievers undertake to evade human judgment—but also by purifying our hearts from desires and sinful inclinations. We must also align our thoughts to be acceptable to Him who knows our innermost being. Let us not find comfort in our transgressions simply because others also sin. Those who may outwardly resemble us in sinfulness could very well have undergone profound inner repentance and have cultivated hidden virtues. Ultimately, it is stated, “The Lord will consume all those who do iniquity” (Psalm 100:8).

May the Lord protect us from such a dreadful fate and, through genuine repentance, lead us into His eternal kingdom, where we may find joy in Him and offer our praises forever. Amen.

This day of reckoning will catch people off guard, just as it did in the times of Noah and Lot: those who value their salvation must forfeit everything and flee from among those destined for destruction. In that moment, no one can guarantee their safety if they choose to remain. (For instance, whoever is on the roof, in the field, or sharing a bed…). The disciples inquired about the location of these events. The Lord replied: wherever there is a corpse, there the eagles will congregate; meaning, this will occur wherever those are liable to such judgment.