Episode 2795: The Three Comings of Christ

Sharon: Welcome to another episode of CR, where we explore Catholic teachings that have stood the test of time. I’m Sharon, your host, and joining me today is our co-host, Walt who started this podcast but needs my input from time to time. Hello Walt!
Walt: Hello, everyone! Today’s topic is an important one the Three Comings of Christ. We’ll dive into the richness of Catholic teaching on this mystery and contrast it with the Protestant perspective, which typically only acknowledges two comings of Christ. Since we will be covering this topic in our 4th Session of “Word Made Flesh” this coming Sunday, Sharon wanted to not only assist in that session but have a precursor in this episode on how Protestants only recognize Two Comings of Christ.
So before we start “The Three Comings of Christ: A Traditional Catholic Perspective” Sharon can you start us off with prayer?
Opening Prayer
Sharon: Let us begin with a prayer from St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who beautifully reflected on the three comings of Christ:
"Come, Lord Jesus, in your first coming to redeem us, in your second to sanctify us, and in your third to glorify us. May we be ever watchful and prepared for your coming in glory. Amen."
Sharon: That said, let’s start by outlining the Catholic understanding of the Three Comings of Christ. St. Bernard of Clairvaux explains it best: The first coming is Christ’s Incarnation, when He was born of the Virgin Mary to redeem us. The second is His ongoing presence through grace and the Sacraments. And the third is His glorious return at the end of time to judge the living and the dead. Before we move on, let me add that St Bernard also said, “and the second coming is the means whereby we pass from the first to the third.” I think that is a very important part that most people are missing. It’s how we transition from this life to the next. It’s how we learn who He is so we can live with Him in the next heavenly realm. This is also why it is so very important to remember that the Eucharist is sacred. That we are accepting our King. We are respecting His majesty. We kneel to show our humility, our unworthiness and out of respect for His sacrifice and glory.
Walt: Very good summary, Sharon. What stands out is how the Catholic Church views Christ as being actively present in the world today, not just in history or in the future. Protestants often emphasize only the First Coming Christ’s birth and ministry and the Second Coming, when He returns in glory.
Sharon: Exactly, Walt. The Protestant framework often overlooks this "middle coming," as St. Bernard called it, which is Christ’s continual sanctification of the Church through the Eucharist, the Sacraments, and His dwelling in the souls of the faithful. Or, one could say that some Protestants believe that the Holy Spirit is with us to guide us, but not Christ himself, right? Which is not what the Catholic faith teaches, right?
Walt: This middle coming is vital for understanding Catholic spirituality. Without it, the Catholic life can feel disconnected from Christ’s ongoing work. Sharon, do you think this difference has practical implications?
Sharon: Absolutely, Walt. The Catholic emphasis on Christ’s presence here and now fosters a deeper sense of hope and accountability. It reminds us that grace is not just a theological concept but a living reality. It goes back to “Faith & Works” that we often speak about and how many Protestants don’t feel works are necessary for salvation but just the fruit of the Spirit which distinguishes them from non-believers.
Walt: And the Sacraments are central to this. Through the Eucharist, for example, Christ’s presence is not symbolic but real. This belief underscores why the Church is the Mystical Body of Christ, united with Him at all times.
Contrast with Protestantism
Sharon: Many Protestant denominations reject the idea of Christ’s ongoing presence in this way. Their focus on Scripture alone often leads to a more distant relationship with Christ, one that sees Him in heaven but not truly present on Earth today.
Walt: That’s right. They’re missing the richness of the Eucharist and the other Sacraments, which bridge heaven and earth. Without the middle coming, there’s a gap between Christ’s first and final comings, which can leave a sense of spiritual emptiness.
Sharon: It also impacts their view of the Church. Without Christ’s active presence, the Church can be reduced to just a community of believers rather than the living, breathing Body of Christ.
Theological and Scriptural Basis
Sharon: Let’s turn to scripture and tradition. In John 14:23, Jesus says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” This verse beautifully illustrates Christ’s ongoing coming into the hearts of the faithful.
Walt: And St. Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” These passages support the Catholic understanding that Christ’s presence isn’t just a past or future event it’s a current reality.
Sharon: The writings of the saints also affirm this. St. Augustine speaks eloquently of Christ’s coming into our lives through the Church and the Sacraments. He teaches that these sacred channels of grace continually nourish and prepare us for His final return. In his Confessions, St. Augustine reflects on how Christ works within us, transforming our hearts and minds through the gift of His presence. He writes, “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” This restlessness is calmed by Christ’s ongoing sanctification, which draws us closer to Him in preparation for the day when we will see Him face-to-face.
St. Thomas Aquinas builds on this by emphasizing the Eucharist as the “pledge of future glory.” He describes how the Blessed Sacrament not only unites us with Christ now but serves as a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that awaits the faithful at His final coming. This connection between the present and the future is uniquely Catholic, underscoring how Christ’s "middle coming" through grace bridges the first and third comings.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux, who articulated the theology of the Three Comings, reminds us that this middle coming is hidden and mystical. He writes, “In His first coming, He was seen on earth and dwelt among men... In His third coming, all flesh will see the salvation of our God... The intermediate coming is a hidden one; in it only the elect see the Lord within themselves, and they are saved.” This hidden coming is made manifest in the Sacraments, where Christ meets us intimately, feeding our souls and strengthening us for the trials of this life.
The saints unanimously point to the Church as the steward of this ongoing coming. Through the Church’s liturgy, teachings, and Sacraments, Christ continues His work of redemption, calling us to repentance and holiness. The Sacraments, particularly Baptism, Confession, and the Eucharist, are the primary ways He enters into our lives, cleansing, healing, and sustaining us.
In this context, the Church is not merely a historical institution or a social gathering of believers. It is, as St. Paul writes in Ephesians 1:22-23, “the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” This fullness is experienced in the "middle coming," where Christ makes His dwelling among us, leading us on the path to eternal union with Him. Thus, the saints compel us to see Christ’s presence not as a distant promise but as a living reality that equips us for the glory to come.
Closing Points
Walt: So, to summarize, Catholics celebrate the Three Comings of Christ: His Incarnation, His sanctifying presence now, and His return in glory. This holistic understanding deepens our faith and brings Christ closer to us every day.
Sharon: And it challenges us to live in grace, always ready for His final coming. Let us not neglect the treasure of His presence here and now, especially in the Eucharist. And, that is the importance of believing that the Host is the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ. Believing that it is only a representation of the Last Supper and Christ’s instructions to the Apostles. Christ said in Hebrews 3:15, “ I will never leave you or forsake you.” And in Deuteronomy 31:6 as Moses was giving his farewell speech to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land he said, “Be strong and of good courage. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is that Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Closing Prayer
Sharon: Let us close with a prayer:
"Come, Lord Jesus, and dwell in our hearts today. Strengthen us through Your grace and prepare us for Your glorious return. May we never forget Your nearness and may we always remain in Your love. Amen."
Walt: Thank you for joining us today! Until next time, may God bless you and keep you close to His heart.
Sharon: Goodbye, everyone! Stay rooted in the Catholic faith.