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Christ's use of the title “Son of Man” is an elevation of His humanity and at the same time a declaration of His divinity, and He persists in using this title to rejoice our hearts and gladden our spirits so that we will approach him with the simplicity of children and the joy of wise men, for He is the first fruit of the resurrection from the dead... the One who rose up to the highest heavens and became the bearer of gifts and graces and blessings, and showers them generously on all those who approach God through Him.

When we see Him filling the heavens with light from horizon to horizon, we shall know Him and love Him, and we shall not be afraid of Him, because we shall see Him as He is, the “Son of Man” who loved us and gave Himself up to death for us, and united humanity with His divine essence in order to give of it without measure. As for the sign of the Son of Man that will appear in heaven to declare that it is he, it is the circle of the saints, whom we shall know by name, around the Lord. By that, we shall not fail to recognise Him.

But Christ did not omit to warn us not to fritter away our love and make light of it, undervaluing His love and His sacrifice on the cross, lest he come unexpectedly when we are not ready to meet Him and rejoice and cheer and give Him glory. “Watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36.) According to His promise, Christ is constantly in touch with us. It is He who fires us with a love of prayer and petition, for He longs that He will find, when He comes in splendor and glory, that we are people after His own heart, and to discovery in us the warm fervent burning faith appropriate to His glorious coming. “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8.)

The question is addressed to you, dear reader, and to me. The voice of the bridegroom is at the doors and our lamps are almost out.