This section starts with the examples of the days of Noah and
Lot (17:26-29). Just as in the days of Noah and Lot the life of the people at
that time proceeded normally and people were going about their daily business
until all of a sudden the flood and brimstone and fire respectively destroyed
the people, so it will be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. This
means that decisive action is absolutely necessary. There will be no turning
back. Lot’s wife who turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back (Genesis
19:26) is given as an example of the dangers of looking back.
When the Son of
Man does indeed come, then the choice of those who will be taken and those who
will be left will be made. In answer to the disciples’ question, “Where, Lord?”
(17:37), Jesus answers with an enigmatic proverb, “Where the corpse is, there
the vultures will gather” (17:37). The point of this proverb here seems to be
that just as it is sure that vultures will gather where a corpse is found, as
surely will the judgement of the Son of Man fall upon the wicked.
Decisive action does not mean desperate action. It means steady
and regular action. If one is at any given moment in time doing what one is
supposed to do, it may be regarded as decisive action. A person engaged in such
an activity is always ready.
I was always wondering about the proverb where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. Thank you for the explantion.
ReplyDeleteplease please a your scholarly commentary on the Book of Wisdom........today's 1st Rdg, speak of the Creator of Beauty , and I Thank my God, who created you, blessing you with such enlightenment, n
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