Take ye heed, watch and pray. For ye know not when the time is.
βλεπετε αγρυπνειτε και προσευχεσθε ουκ οιδατε γαρ ποτε ο καιρος εστιν
11 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Furthermore, for our good, God has concealed the culmination of life, both in a general sense and for each individual, so that we may persistently endeavor, anticipating this conclusion and being mindful that it should not find us unready.
It is not inappropriate for an individual to acknowledge their ignorance. However, the person who believes they possess understanding when they are truly unaware is in error.
The Divine Word has concealed from us both the conclusion of all things and the limits of every individual, recognizing that the universal end culminates in the conclusion of each person, and as each comes to its end, the conclusion of all things draws near. This is done so that we may grow day by day, being called to "strive forward and forget what lies behind" (cf. Phlp. 3:13), for the final moment remains unknown and is always anticipated. If anyone were to know the precise day of the end, would they not start to disregard the present? Conversely, for those lacking such knowledge, will they not strive to prepare themselves daily? This is why the Savior further stated: “Watch therefore, because you do not know in what hour your Lord will come” (Matthew 25:13).
Maintain mindfulness in your youth, dear ones, so that you may be honored at the end of your days. Do not place your trust in the adversary, who fills your mind with misleading notions, urging you with the idea: ‘You are still young; you have many lifetimes ahead, so revel now and disregard your soul’s wellbeing; in your later years, you can always seek forgiveness.’ Are you so foolish, my friend, not to see how this foe can mislead you in this matter? If you do not turn back to God in your youth, when you possess the vigor to undertake every challenge, then, in your later years, will you not use old age as an excuse for weakness? And if, by chance, you are taken from this world in your youth, what then will you do? So, abandon the path of the enemy and listen to the words of the true Lord, who instructs: ‘Watch and pray, for you do not know the day nor the hour’ (cf. Matthew 25:13).
The profound divine authority present in Jesus's words was undeniable. Each listener sensed that they were receiving more than just a warning, recognizing that both heaven and earth seemed poised to shift in anticipation of their fulfillment. The God-Man continued, regarding the final day and hour of the world, stating that no one is privy to this knowledge—not even the heavenly angels, nor the Son Himself, but only the Father knows. For your benefit, we can only declare that when the Son of Man returns, it will mirror the days of Noah: prior to the flood, people were engaged in eating, drinking, and marrying—completely unaware of impending danger until the flood arrived and swept them all away.
Similarly, at the coming of the Son of Man, there will be the same disregard, indulgence, disbelief, and moral decay.
The Lord went on to explain the abrupt nature of that day, illustrating that in a moment, two men may be in the fields: one will be taken, and the other left; two women may be grinding grain: one will be taken, and the other left. Given such unpredictability, it is essential for everyone to be vigilant, ensuring that their hearts are not weighed down by excess or distraction, lest they become overly engrossed in worldly concerns. For that day will arrive unexpectedly—like a trap that catches all who inhabit the earth. Therefore, each person ought to conduct themselves as a homeowner would if they were aware that a thief might arrive at an unforeseen hour. They would remain alert, lest their home be compromised. All the more reason for us to remain vigilant, for the Son of Man will come at a moment when we do not anticipate it.
If there exists a reckoning for souls, one ought to prioritize contemplating the conclusion of one’s earthly existence rather than merely focusing on the manner of living. This is because nothing holds greater significance than what lies at the end, and nothing approaches that end more closely than the divine judgement. God’s judgement is rendered in completeness, as He dispenses everlasting judgement that encompasses both retribution and comfort. He evaluates souls restored not into animals but back into their own forms, all occurring simultaneously on that day which is solely known to the Father (Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32). This is designed to test faith with a sense of trepidation, compelling us to always bear in mind that day, fostering a spirit of vigilant anticipation, leaving us to navigate each day with both fear and hope.
The Lord emphasized this matter and exerted special effort to convey to His disciples the importance of vigilance, engagement, and faithfulness in such situations. "Watch therefore: for you do not know at what hour your Lord will come." You are the overseers of the household in My absence, as the master of the household remains alert, fearing the arrival of a thief who might invade his home at any moment. Alternatively, consider your position after My departure as that of the servants entrusted with the care of the estate during the master's absence. How tragic it would be for a servant found squandering the master's resources, while blessed is the steward whom the master discovers without fault; he will earn the satisfaction of all his household.
In this teaching, Jesus Christ emphasizes to His followers the urgency of His Second Coming. He repeatedly cautions them against complacency and an overemphasis on material possessions and worldly concerns. He encourages them to remain spiritually alert and prepared to encounter Him at any moment with a sincere heart. A homeowner, if aware of the time a thief would arrive, would vigilantly stay awake solely during that hour to prevent a break-in. Likewise, because the hour of His return is unknown, one must be prepared at all times, for the Son of Man will come at an unexpected time. Being ready for the arrival of the Savior entails not just anticipating this event but also continuously preparing throughout one’s life for this encounter.
To prepare for meeting the Savior and to stand before Him at His Final Judgment requires adherence to His commandments, living not by personal desire but by divine guidance. It involves reflecting on one’s life, acknowledging transgressions, feeling remorse for sinning, seeking forgiveness, and striving to cleanse oneself with tears of repentance. Additionally, it involves committing to avoid future sins and battling temptations with all one’s might. Should one stumble, it is vital to rise again, recognize one’s failings, repent anew, and earnestly pray to the gracious Lord for strength and for the absolution of all shortcomings, asking that they not be held against us.
That day will arrive unexpectedly. While it will serve as a day of reward for all devoted servants, it will also be a day of judgment for those who do not fulfill their purpose and are unprepared for this significant occasion. To deepen their understanding of vigilance and fidelity, as well as to strongly caution them against the perils of negligence and the alarming act of letting their lamps of readiness go out, He shared with them two parables—the one of the ten virgins and the one of the talents (Matthew 25:1-30).
"Pray": in this context, prayer is presented as the foremost method for sustaining spiritual alertness and preparedness to appropriately embrace the imminent occurrence of the glorious event, the arrival of the Lord.
The exact timing of the Son of Man's return remains a mystery, prompting believers to remain spiritually vigilant: watch, pray, and remain alert, for the timing is unknown. To drive home the significance of this call for spiritual readiness among His disciples, the Lord conveyed a parable. In it, He depicted Himself as a master leaving His home, which symbolizes the Church, to return to His Father in heaven, with plans to come back and assess the work entrusted to His servants.
Just as a man departs from his dwelling, granting his servants authority and assigning each a task—while instructing the gatekeeper to remain watchful—so too does the Lord command all His followers throughout history to maintain vigilance until the end of days: "I say unto you, I say unto all, watch." This command stands as a vital reminder.
Be cautious, for when your hearts become burdened by indulgence, drunkenness, and the distractions of worldly woes, that day may unexpectedly overtake you, much like a trap ensnares those who dwell on the earth. Therefore, remain watchful and pray at all times so that you may be prepared to escape the trials that await and stand before the Son of Man. The Lord shared knowledge that is essential for prudence, guarding against the tide of carelessness and sensuality. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so too will be the arrival of the Son of Man: they were eating, drinking, marrying, and engaging in daily life until the day Noah entered the ark— unaware until the floodwaters swept everything away.
Similarly, at the coming of the Son of Man, there will be two individuals in a field: one will be taken, and the other will remain; two women grinding grain at the mill: one will be taken, and one will be left. The Lord previously warned His disciples about the suddenness of His arrival for judgment, indicating that this time will not only come at night but will also catch many off guard. He repeated this prophecy while urging His faithful followers to be perpetually alert for the final day: "Watch ye, for ye know not what hour your Lord will come." To further illuminate the necessity of vigilance, the Lord recalled the parable concerning servants awaiting their master's return, which He had shared before.
Passages read together with this verse.
Greek text, 9 words with lemma, transliteration and Strong’s number. Tap to expand.
THEOSIS