The Son of Man coming in his kingdom

In today’s Gospel (Mt. 16:24-28), our Lord says,

Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here
who will not taste death
until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.

Many interpreted our Lord’s words as indicating that his Second Coming would come within one generation, before the death of all those who saw him. Indeed, some Christians were so convinced of Christ’s imminent return that they stopped everything and just waited.

Another interpretation of these words, however, can be found in this brief exchange between Christ and one of those being crucified with him:

Then he said,
"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

He replied to him,
"Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:42-43

That is not to say that there will be no Second Coming. Indeed, the Lord says in today’s Gospel,

For the Son of Man will come with his angels
in his Father's glory,
and then he will repay each according to his conduct.

The Lord will come again, but he has already come into his kingdom through his cross.

“We wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ,” but we do not wait passively. Indeed, Christ has given us work to do, so that we may share in that kingdom:

Whoever wishes to come after me
must deny himself,
take up his cross,
and follow me.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done