Matthew 24:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After discussing the nature of the Antichrist's arrival, Christ explains how He will return. How will this occur? "As the lightning comes from the east, and is seen even unto the west, so shall be the coming of the Son of man; for where the corpse is, there the eagles shall gather." And in what way does lightning illuminate? It does not depend on a messenger or require a preacher; it suddenly shines across the entire heavens, visible to everyone, whether they are in their homes or secluded within them. Likewise, the return of Christ will manifest abruptly and universally, reflecting the brilliance of His glory.

When Christ returns, there will be no need for indicators; His arrival will be as unmistakable as lightning. Just as lightning flashes unexpectedly and illuminates the sky for everyone to see, the return of Christ will be evident to all who inhabit the earth. This second coming will differ from the first, when the Lord moved about from one location to another; in that moment, He will make His presence known instantaneously.

Given that a significant number of individuals were following Him, He emphasized that His return would be manifest and serious, unlike the circumstances surrounding His birth. "If they tell you, 'Look, here He is,' do not be deceived. For just as lightning illuminates the sky, so will His coming be." Just as there were those who sought to harm during His nativity, so too will there be those who will impede His return, and the spread of false information will escalate. Therefore, do not venture out in search of Him, lest you inadvertently follow that adversary and find yourself led astray.

Do not venture forth, nor think that the Son of Man resides in the wilderness of the nations or in the hidden corners of those estranged from the Church; rather, His teaching radiates from east to west throughout the Churches of the world. It should also be stated that the return of the Savior will be unveiled in majesty, and not in the lowliness of the First Coming. Therefore, it is unwise to seek Him, the light of all creation, in obscure or minor locations.

In the same way that lightning flashes and is seen by everyone without the need for a herald or forewarning, its radiance makes it apparent instantly across the world, so too will the event of His return be. By the force of its luminosity, it will be visible to all and serve as its own messenger to humanity. The Second Coming will not mirror the First Coming, which was marked by humility and disgrace; rather, it will manifest with overwhelming power and glory, accompanied by the entirety of the celestial host. Thus, at that time, everyone will recognize Him.

Let us make preparations, my brethren, for the clouds are gathering, and at any time the divine light may break forth from them. As the lightning flashes from east to west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man—suddenly, irrevocably, illuminating everything. There is no warning except the word of the Lord Himself, which is given to us today. He who keeps his lamp ready will not be surprised.

Just as the lightning emerges from the East and can be seen, illuminating the West in an instant, so too will the arrival of the Son of Man occur at an unanticipated moment, strikingly swift. St. Chrysostom comments that lightning shines without the need for a messenger or a preacher, appearing instantly across the entire cosmos. This illumination reaches those indoors as well as those in the innermost parts of their homes. Likewise, the return of Christ will manifest suddenly and universally due to the splendor of His glory.

Once more, I caution you against placing your trust in the false Christs who will arise. Do not heed those who claim to have encountered Christ in the wilderness or within concealed spaces, nor should you seek Him there. This is not the manner in which the Son of Man will return. Just as lightning strikes swiftly and illuminates the entire sky in an instant, so too will His return be both sudden and universal. And just as eagles are drawn to a carcass, in like manner will the Son of Man draw all humanity to Himself. This concludes the prophecies regarding the devastation of Jerusalem; the subsequent discourse pertains to the conclusion of the age and the Second Coming of Christ.

“How does lightning emerge?” It doesn’t need a messenger or a herald; in an instant, it lights up the entire sky, visible to everyone, whether they are indoors or in the most private spaces of their homes. Likewise, the return of Christ will be a sudden revelation felt universally, shining with the brilliance of His glory. The Lord’s enigmatic arrival in judgment during the destruction of Jerusalem served as a foreshadowing of His future return to judge the world. “At His second coming, it will not be like the first, when the Lord moved from one place to another; this time, He will appear in the blink of an eye.”