A Modern Translation of

Catena Aurea

The Catena Aurea, which means “Golden Chain” in Latin, is a comprehensive biblical commentary comb is a 13th-century biblical commentary compiled by St. Thomas Aquinas. This anthology features insights from over eighty Church Fathers on the four Gospels.

SOURCE: Fr. Don worked with AI generative technology to create this modern translation, outline and study notes, enhancing accessibility and comprehension of the text for contemporary audiences.

Luke 21:25-28

Christ’s Explanation of End Times Events

BEDE: Christ explains the events that will happen after the time of the Gentiles is over, saying there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and distress on Earth.

Signs in the Heavens

AMBROSE: All these signs are described more clearly in Matthew – the sun will be darkened, the moon won’t shine, and stars will fall from heaven.

EUSEBIUS: When the end of this temporary life comes, as the Apostle says, “The fashion of this world passeth away,” a new world will come where Christ Himself will shine like a sunbeam, and He will be the King of the new world. His light will be so bright that the sun, moon, and stars will be hidden by a much greater light.

CHRYSOSTOM: Just as in our current world the moon and stars are dimmed by the rising sun, when Christ appears in glory, the sun will become dark, the moon won’t shine, and stars will fall from heaven, giving up their old appearance to be dressed in a better light.

The World’s Transformation and Distress

EUSEBIUS: After the light sources go dark, Jesus explains the distress of nations caused by the roaring sea. This seems to imply that the world’s transformation will start with water disappearing. As water vanishes or becomes frozen, the sea will no longer roar, and the waves won’t reach the shore due to severe drought. Other parts of the world will also undergo change, as they won’t have access to the usual water supply. Since Christ’s appearance will stop the evil forces that resist God, His wrath will begin with these droughts, during which no storms or roaring seas will be heard. Following these events, the distress of the survivors will be evident, as their hearts are consumed by fear and anticipation of the events that will unfold across the entire world. Jesus then proceeds to describe these events, saying, “For the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”

The Shaking of the Powers of Heaven

THEOPHYLACT: Alternatively, when the higher world undergoes change, the lower elements will also suffer. This is why it says, “And on the earth distress of nations.” It’s as if He said that the sea will roar fiercely, and its shores will be battered by storms, causing distress to the people and nations on Earth—a widespread misery that will make them waste away from fear and anticipation of the terrible events coming upon the world.

AUGUSTINE: But you might argue that the current punishment proves the end is approaching because it matches the prophecy. After all, it’s clear that every country and place is currently affected or troubled. Yet, if these evils signify that our Lord’s arrival is imminent, what does it mean when the Apostle says, “For when they shall say peace and safety”? Let us consider whether the words of prophecy might instead refer to a future time when the whole world’s tribulations will belong to the Church, which will be troubled by the whole world—not by those causing the trouble. It will be those who say, “Peace and safety.” Right now, the greatest and most extreme evils we see are common to both Christ’s kingdom and the Devil’s. Good and evil people alike suffer them, including widespread participation in immoral feasts. Isn’t this a form of being dried up from fear or, rather, being consumed by lust?

THEOPHYLACT: Not only will humans be affected when the world changes, but even angels will be stunned by the universe’s terrible transformations. This is what is meant by “And the powers of heaven shall be shaken.”

GREGORY: Who are the “powers of heaven” but the angels, dominions, principalities, and powers? When the strict Judge comes, they will be visible to our eyes and will strictly judge us, since our invisible Creator has been patient with us until then.

EUSEBIUS: When the Son of God comes in glory and defeats the sinful empire, the angels will attend Him, and the doors of heaven, which have been closed since the beginning of the world, will open so that we can witness the things that are above.

CHRYSOSTOM: Or the heavenly powers will be shaken, even though they don’t know it. When they see the countless multitudes being condemned, they will tremble.

BEDE: As Job says, “the pillars of heaven tremble and are afraid at his reproof.” If the pillars tremble, what happens to the boards? If the cedar of Paradise is shaken, what becomes of the desert shrub?

EUSEBIUS: Alternatively, the “powers of heaven” are the forces that govern the sensible parts of the universe. They will be shaken so that they can reach a better state. They will be released from their duty of serving God in relation to perishable bodies.

The Church as the Sun, Moon, and Stars

AUGUSTINE: To avoid ridicule from those who know that these events occurred before Christ’s first coming and that there have been even greater events in the history of nations, we can interpret these words as applying to the Church. The Church is like the sun, moon, and stars, and during intense persecution, it will be hidden from view.

AMBROSE: As many people turn away from religion, clear faith will be obscured by the cloud of unbelief. For me, the Sun of righteousness grows dim or shines brighter depending on my faith. Just as the moon dims during its monthly phases or when it is eclipsed by the Earth, so too does the holy Church lose its divine light when earthly sins oppose it. In times of persecution, worldly love often blocks out the light of the divine Sun. Stars, too, will fall—that is, people who shine in glory will fall when persecution becomes too intense. This will continue until all of the Church is gathered together, because this is how the good are tested and the weak are revealed.

Interpretation of Distress and Coming in the Clouds

AUGUSTINE: In the phrase “distress of nations,” “nations” refers not to those who will be blessed through Abraham’s descendants, but to those on the left.

AMBROSE: Our souls will be consumed by such intense inner fires that, due to our fear of judgment and our guilt from numerous crimes, the comforting dew of the sacred fountain will dry up within us. However, when the Lord arrives to dwell within the entire world, which currently resides in each individual who has embraced Christ wholeheartedly, the heavenly powers will experience increased grace and be moved by a more intimate union with the Divine nature. These heavenly powers, which proclaim God’s glory, will be stirred by an even greater infusion of Christ, allowing them to see Him more clearly.

AUGUSTINE: The phrase “coming in the clouds” can be interpreted in two ways: Christ coming amidst His Church, like a cloud (as He still does today), but with greater power and majesty; or Christ coming in His body, which is seated at the Father’s right hand. He will come not only in His body but also in a cloud, as it was written that “a cloud received him out of their sight.”

CHRYSOSTOM: God always appears in a cloud, as stated in the Psalms: “clouds and darkness are round about him.” Thus, the Son of Man will come in the clouds as God and Lord, not in secrecy but with divine glory.

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The term “great” should be understood similarly. His first appearance occurred in our weakness and humility, while His second will be celebrated in all His divine power.

GREGORY: People will see Him in power and majesty—the same person they refused to hear when He was in a lowly position. This will make His power even more palpable to His saints, enabling them to withstand such severe persecution. His grandeur will make His presence unmistakable.

Luke 21:34-36

Importance of Vigilance and Prayer

THEOPHYLACT: Jesus mentioned the frightening, tangible signs of impending calamities that will befall sinners; the only protection against these is vigilance and prayer, as He said, “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time…”

BASIL: Every creature has inherent instincts given by God to ensure its survival. Thus, Christ reminds us to use reason and wisdom to avoid sin just as animals avoid deadly food and seek wholesome sustenance. He says, “Take heed to yourselves,” meaning we should discern between what is harmful and what is beneficial. Since we can take heed with our physical eyes or our inner faculties, and physical sight doesn’t lead to virtue, we must rely on our soul’s abilities. “Take heed” means to stay alert, guarding our soul. He says, “yourselves,” as we are mind and spirit, not just physical beings. We are surrounded by material things but must focus on our soul’s well-being. This warning helps both the sick and the well: those who protect the present and prepare for the future, examine their own actions instead of judging others, and control their passions with reason.

Jesus further explains the reason for this heedfulness, “Lest at any time your hearts be overcharged…”

Dangers of Overindulgence and Drunkeness

TITUS BOSTRENSIS: Be cautious not to let your mind become heavy with drowsiness. The worries of this life, indulgence, and drunkenness drive away wisdom, weaken faith, and lead to spiritual ruin.

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: Drunkenness results from excessive drinking, and crapula refers to the discomfort and nausea associated with it—a Greek term derived from the resulting dizziness. To avoid hunger and thirst, one must eat and drink, but with restraint to prevent overindulgence. The effects of wine are deceptive, and the soul is wisest when sober but becomes lost when intoxicated.

BASIL: Even if carefulness, or concern for earthly matters, doesn’t inherently involve sin, it should be avoided if it doesn’t contribute to religious growth. Jesus explains this, saying, “And so that day come upon you unawares.”

Preparation for Judgment Day

THEOPHYLACT: Judgment Day will come unexpectedly, surprising the unwary like a trap. It will catch those who carelessly linger on the earth’s surface. However, we can avoid it by actively pursuing goodness, refusing to remain idle or complacent. For the vigilant and dedicated, Judgment Day won’t be a snare, but a reason for celebration.

EUSEBIUS: Jesus instructed them to pay attention and avoid falling into indolence. Thus, He says, “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that shall come to pass.”

Striving for Glory

THEOPHYLACT: Through vigilance and prayer, one can avoid temporary afflictions, such as hunger and disease, and the eternal punishment reserved for the guilty.

AUGUSTINE: The flight mentioned in Matthew, which should not occur during winter or on the Sabbath, symbolizes avoiding earthly worries (as dreary as winter) and indulgence (characteristic of the Jews’ worldly Sabbath).

THEOPHYLACT: Christians must not only flee evil but also strive for glory. Jesus adds, “And to stand before the Son of man.” This is the angels’ privilege: to stand before the Son of man, our God, and continually behold His face.

BEDE: If a physician warned us about a lethal herb, we’d heed the advice. Yet, when Christ cautions against drunkenness, overindulgence, and earthly worries, people often neglect His words. They trust a physician’s warning but disregard divine guidance.