THROUGH UNTRUE
Today's Gospel reading discusses the end of the world (Mark 13:24-32). Throughout history, numerous doomsday theories have predicted when this event would occur, with perhaps the most controversial being Dec. 21, 2012—the date many believed cataclysmic events would destroy the world as we know it. This idea was popularized by the movie "2012," which depicted the collapse of human civilization through violent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters.
There is a way of understanding the "end of the world" not as a terrifying annihilation but as a transformative shift in the way time unfolds. Experts in fractal science say that real change begins with an ending. Such an ending implies, not total destruction, but a transition into a different "time zone." Through human creativity, we can introduce "change points" that initiate a new sequence of events in this new time zone. Without such intervention, events would merely repeat in the next cycle, just as they have in the past.
This insight tells us that history is not a cyclical pattern of occurrences that are beyond our control. It is, in fact, largely shaped by human choices, inspired by Divine grace. History will not repeat itself if we learn from the past and introduce change points that prevent old mistakes from resurfacing. In a very real sense, the best way to predict the future is to create it.
These days, natural disasters seem to occur with increasing frequency, and many interpret this as a sign of the world’s impending end. Such dreadful occurrences seem to confirm our deepest fears about the fragility of life and the impermanence of this world.
Yet perhaps these calamities serve as nature’s way of reminding us that we must not waste time focusing on things we cannot control while neglecting those aspects of life that we can change. Through these natural disasters, nature may be urging us to rethink how we live, how we treat the Earth's finite resources, and how we relate with one another. Our collective apathy, greed, selfishness, and indifference are more dangerous to the world than any natural disaster.
On a personal level, our doomsday jitters often relate not only with our fear of dying, but also with our fear of being forgotten. We think that when the world ends, we become, not only extinct but also obliterated from the memories of others. We fear that our unique identity and story will forever be erased or canceled. We all want to be remembered.
Jesus showed us that the way to eternal remembrance is to leave behind something that is worth remembering. He Himself showed us the way, by leaving us his unconditional love, service, and sacrifice that merited for us our salvation. At the Last Supper, knowing His death was imminent, He instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, offering the apostles something to remember Him by. He then urged them to do the same for others. This is why, when the priest consecrates the bread and wine during the celebration of the Mass, he echoes Jesus’ words: "Do this in memory of me" (Mark 14:22-25).
Instead of endlessly speculating about when the world will end, we should ask ourselves: "Am I living in a way that ensures I will be remembered?" Many people squander their precious time on social media, which provides the illusion of perpetual remembrance through digital archives of their thoughts, images, and videos. But this is merely an illusion. Our digital footprints, like everything else, will eventually fade into obscurity. It is only through truly meaningful actions that we leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of others—creating a memory that endures long after we are gone.