Mark 13:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let not the one who stands upon the roof turn back to his home for any reason; he will rejoice even in his state of nudity. In a figurative sense, the one who has ascended to great heights should not descend from them. When any fervent desire arises within us, it is essential to swiftly seek the summit of righteousness through confession and to remain steadfast upon this elevation. Likewise, let those who engage in good deeds refrain from reverting to their former conscience, the old attire from which they have been stripped.

After describing a series of alarming events, the Lord focused particularly on the imminent manifestation of God's severe judgment regarding what would take place in Jerusalem. He stated, concerning Jerusalem, that its destruction is imminent; as foretold by Daniel, the abomination of desolation will be seen in the sacred place. Therefore, anyone wishing to escape this calamity must flee swiftly from Judea. Those who choose to remain will face a tribulation unlike any that has occurred since the beginning of time. There will arise false messiahs, but do not be deceived by them. The Son of Man will come as lightning, not confined to a specific location or form, but as the embodiment of divine judgment (Matthew 24:15-28). He will reveal His full glory at the culmination of the world (29-31).

Do not hesitate even for a moment to escape; do not pause to gather what you deem essential. If someone is on the roof of their home, they should flee without entering the house to collect anything. Likewise, if a person is in the field, having removed their outer cloak, they must run without stopping to retrieve it. Keep in mind that these are the days of God’s judgment against a faithless nation, as the prophets have foretold.