Eldhose Baby Sermon on Matthew 24 – The Enduring Word, The Mystery of the Hour, and Staying Awake

On 21 September 2025, Eldhose Baby, a seminary student, delivered the following message:

In Matthew 24, the Lord speaks to His disciples—Peter, James, John, and Andrew—while seated on the Mount of Olives, opposite the Jerusalem temple. The disciples ask Him in private about His second coming and the end of the world (Matthew 24:3). This conversation unfolds as Jesus speaks of the destruction of the temple (Matthew 24:2).

This passage reveals three key truths:

1. The Enduring Word of God

The Lord speaks of a “generation” (Matthew 24:34). This “generation” refers not to a limited group of years, but to the entire community of believers across all ages—those who believe now and those who will believe in the future. Jesus assures us: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). This echoes the words of Isaiah and the testimony of the Gospels. Even though the physical world may perish, His word remains forever. The Church will endure on this earth until His return, and humanity—believers and non-believers alike—is called to hear this truth. His promise strengthens our faith and reminds us that His teachings are eternal.

2. The Mystery of the Hour

Jesus tells us that no one knows the exact time of His return: “But about that day or hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). This may raise questions—how can the Son not know? The Church Fathers, including St. John Chrysostom, explain that this should not be understood in a narrow, literal way. Christ, in His humanity, chose to embrace human limitations. Just as He knew hunger and thirst, so also He did not reveal the mystery of the final hour. This is reserved within the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This teaches us that the end remains hidden, and it is not for us to know the timing, but to trust God’s wisdom.

3. The Call to Vigilance

The Lord calls all to “stay awake” (Matthew 24:42). He tells a parable about a master who departs on a journey, entrusting his servants with tasks, and charging the gatekeeper to remain watchful (Matthew 24:42–51). In the same way, God entrusts each of us with responsibilities—whether in our work, in raising children, or in the sacrament of marriage. Each task is for His glory. Holy marriage, for example, is a call to share in God’s creative and nurturing work.

To “stay awake” means to live with spiritual vigilance. The Church keeps this watchfulness alive, preparing us for His return. Whenever the master comes—by day or by night—we are called to be found faithfully fulfilling our duties. Jesus warns us that if the servants are found sleeping, it will be a tragic state. We must act out of love, not fear—our service must flow from devotion to the Lord.

The second coming will be glorious and awe-inspiring. But our preparation must be through faithful living and love-filled service. St. Ephrem, a teacher of our liturgical tradition, reminds us that even the greatest charitable works are empty without a heart fully open to God. Jesus concludes: “What I say to you, I say to all: Stay awake” (Matthew 24:42). We are called to remain vigilant, with lamps burning and oil in abundance, ready to welcome Him when He comes again.

In summary:

• “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35) — His teachings are eternal.

• The second coming is certain, but the exact time remains a mystery known only to the Father (Matthew 24:36).

• Christ calls us to be spiritually awake, carrying out our duties with faith and love, prepared for His return (Matthew 24:42).

With these words, may the name of God be glorified.