When I was younger I was so intrigued by movies like The Omen and The Final Conflict and others that told stories of the end-time and an Antichrist person that would usher in the second coming. The movies were extremely loose with their interpretation of the Bible. They depicted events and signs that would give evidence that the end of the world as we knew it was near. Of course, some people watch those films and even some of the fundamentalist movies of today and actually think they have a better idea of how the end of times will take place. Too bad every one of those movies misses the point.
People ask the question, “What would you do today if you knew that Jesus was coming again tomorrow?” If we think that is a hard question to answer, we have missed the point as well. If you are a good steward of all that God has given you and you are living life as a mature intentional disciple, the answer is simple: “I would do the same thing I did yesterday!” That is the answer, of course, because we cannot be a disciple one day and not a disciple the next. Yes, we are never saved by our works, so what we do that last day before Jesus returns has no greater value that what we did the day before. As the bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship points out, we are called to become mature disciples. When there is maturity, it is no longer about what we do but instead it is about who we have become.
These movies I mentioned are sometimes classified as horror films. But there is nothing to fear. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” We are never called to focus on what will pass away. If we keep our eye on what lasts forever, then we shall be ready to answer the call today, tomorrow, or whenever. That’s a better ending than any Hollywood movie.
Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
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