Is the end of the world coming soon?

Dear Mason & Teo,

The recent movie “2012” portrayed the end of the world, the apocalypse. The current news about wars, natural disasters and deadly plagues seems to have been predicted in the book of Revelation with regards to the end of time. It is kind of scary. Should we prepare for the end of the world? Is the world ending as predicted in the book of Revelation? Are we living the end times? Please advise. Thank you. (Fearfully waiting)

Dear Fearfully,

Regardless of the world’s prediction of the end of time, Scripture tells us that “of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:32-33).

The word apocalypse in Greek means to reveal, or unveil, and it had been the name used for the last book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation. The Book of Revelation is one of the most difficult books in Scripture to understand because it is filled with unfamiliar and unusual symbolism. These symbolic descriptions are not to be taken literally. For instance, the lamb in Revelations 5:6 with seven horns and seven eyes describes Jesus Christ’s universal (seven) power (horns) and knowledge (eyes).

For early Christians, the Book of Revelation held the key to understanding the mysteries of the Mass. Not very many Catholics are aware that, with its strange images, end-of-time prophecies and supernatural visions of heaven, the Book of Revelation mirrors the sacrifice and celebration of the Eucharist.

Catholics familiar with the Mass will be able to see the great vision of the author John in the Book of Revelation coming to life each time we participate in the divine liturgy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Christ glorified from the time of the Church of the Apostles is present in the earthly liturgy which participates in the liturgy of heaven” (CCC 1084-1090).

In John’s time, Jews had week-long wedding festivities and commonly used the term apokalypsis to describe the unveiling of the virgin bride, which took place immediately before the marriage was consummated in sexual union. In the Book of Revelation, John revealed, unveiled, that the union of heaven and earth is consummated in the Holy Eucharist.

The unity of heaven and earth is like the ecstatic and fruitful union of a husband and wife. St Paul describes the church as the bride of Christ in Ephesians 5 and concludes, “This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church” (Ephesians 5:32).

Jesus’ redemption unveiled the presence of God to everyone. Now heaven and earth could embrace in intimate love. Wow! Isn’t that cool! As Catholics, we are truly blessed to embrace that union in the Eucharist. Jesus is truly present in body, blood, soul and divinity at every Eucharistic celebration around the world. (An excellent book that explains the connection of the Book of Revelation to the Liturgy of the Eucharist is “The Lamb’s Supper” by Dr Scott Hahn.)

As for the terrifying descriptions of punishment, destruction and war, John wants us to know that God will punish rebellion and disobedience. In the fight between good and evil, we are encouraged to stand firm in the faith and to avoid compromising with evil despite the threat of adversity and persecution. We are to wait patiently for the fulfillment of God’s mighty promises in Jesus’ second coming, often referred to as Parousia.

In Greek, the primary meaning of Parousia is real, personal, living, lasting and active presence. Jesus promises, “Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, wrote: “Liturgy is anticipated Parousia, the ‘already’ entering our ‘not yet.’”

When Jesus comes again at the end of time, he will not have a drop more glory than he has right now upon the altars and in the tabernacles of Catholic churches around the world. God dwells among humanity right now because the Mass is heaven on earth.

There is no need to fear if we remain steadfast in the faith. As Christians, no matter what affliction or torment we endure, we will triumph over Satan and his evil forces because of our fidelity to Jesus Christ the victor who has already defeated Satan at the cross and ushered in the everlasting reign of God.