In 2009, Roland Emmerich came up with the film 2012, an apocalyptic sci-fi thriller following the prophecy stated
by the ancient Mayan calendar which says that the world will come to an end on
December 21, 2012. Fortunately, there must have been a mistake in the calculation.
I would like to submit though that we can have a fruitful
reflection on this subject by drawing a parallelism between the movie 2012 and today’s apocalyptic gospel (Lk
21:25-28, 34-36) even as we welcome a new liturgical year on this first Sunday
of Advent. I suggest, without trying to be exhaustive, three elements: The
impending end, the promise of new beginning, and the transformative
anticipation.
The impending end: The
movie 2012 is at first glance all
about the end of the world as we know it now.
In the vein of classic disaster movies like Armageddon, Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, etc. 2012 depicts a cosmic disaster already foretold by the Mayan calendar centuries
ago to happen in the year 2012. As such
it certainly sends shivers down our spines. The end as depicted in 2012 brings global destruction. An end to everything humanity has known and
built throughout its history.
Similarly,
today’s gospel employs this apocalyptic literary genre describing the great
tribulation that will befall the face of the earth: “There will be signs in the
sun, the moon, and the stars and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed
by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright…for the power
of heavens will be shaken” (v. 25-26).
Are
we afraid of the end? A spontaneous unreflected initial thought would right
away say “yes.” But a second look might reveal our true desire. Aren’t we tired
of the endless forms of suffering of humanity because of our own foolishness?
Don’t we desire an end to the social injustices inflicted upon the poor and the
weak? Don’t we long for a stop to the violence we wreak upon one another?
Our
world’s suffering on account of sin is unspeakable. Creation is groaning for an
end of this senseless domination of the power of evil and sin.
The promise of a new beginning: The end though is just one side
of the coin. The other side is the promise of a new beginning. 2012 depicts a horrible process of
end only to usher in a fresh beginning for humanity and planet earth. The
movie’s suggestion is nothing but a hi-tech rendition of Noah’s ark. Today’s
gospel too is really not so much about the end as about the dawning of the new
creation in Christ. “And they will see the Son of Man
coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these signs begin to happen,
stand erect and raise your heads because redemption is at hand” (v 27-28).
The
apocalyptic accounts in scriptures are meant to strengthen our faith in the
ultimate victory of God over the power of sin that has thwarted the beautiful
plan of God for his creation. Sin has marred the beauty of his creation. It has
dominated the world and is leading it to its destruction. But God will
re-create through the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. On that day when the
Son of Man comes in glory and power, redemption is at hand. A new creation! A
fresh beginning!
The transformative anticipation: The impending end propels every
significant character in the movie to respond actively to the advent of the
cataclysmic end. Huge modern hi-tech ships (Noah’s ark) have been constructed.
Scientists have been monitoring the earth’s movements; world leaders have been
meeting and planning. Broken families have tried to truly communicate once
again. Similarly, today’s gospel sounds its call for vigilance and prayer.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness
and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a
trap” (v 34-35).
Anticipation
is not sitting back and hopelessly waiting for the end to come. The apocalyptic
genre certainly evokes urgency. We need to anticipate the end and the new
beginning responsibly. To put an end to our greed, hatred, injustices, and all
forms of our collective sinfulness, we need to be transformed. To start anew
means to leave behind all these and put on the grace of Christ who enables us
to love, to care, to be just, to forgive…
A
scene in the movie expresses this well. When the elite of this world had
embarked onto the ships, the acting captain ordered for an early locking up; hence,
barring thousands of people from entering. This was a decisive moment for humanity’s
transformation. The thoughtful scientist challenged the captain’s decision with
these similar words, “If up to this moment we continue to be uncaring to one
another, if we allow thousands to die when we can actually do something about
it, with what will we begin? What kind of humanity will we start with?”
Today
is the first Sunday of Advent. A fresh start in our liturgical life. A season
that reminds us of the urgency of conversion. No. Not so much because of the
impending end. We need to change because it is the only way to the promise of a
new beginning.
Am
I ready to shed off my boring, ugly, unfruitful, unforgiving, hateful old self?
In this advent season, will I embark into the promise of a fresh start? Will I
allow myself the joy of living in the newness of life in Christ?
