It’s the End of the World—I Just Know It…..

"For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, and cast away himself?" Luke 9:25

I know it's a bit belated, but Happy New Year! These past few months, especially since Thanksgiving, have been exhausting, stressing, trying, and rewarding. Precisely because of these difficulties, I've found myself praying more often. I've tried to shift my focus only to Jesus, and, as a result, I've discovered that I'm better equipped to resist the temptations of the Evil One. How blessed I am indeed! Even though I've been dealing with my own sin and reconciliation, life still goes on. I could mention all the mundane things happening in our lives right now, but all pale in comparison to the suffering of the thousands of men, women, and children in Haiti. It is because of them, their agony, and their deaths, that I sat down to write.

Yesterday, a very young woman, probably in her early 20s, knocked on my door. This, in and of itself, is fairly unusual. Normally, people don't knock on our door. They just walk right in. Yea, it's like that. We live in one of those kinds of neighborhoods. Our neighbors are friendly. Crime is mostly non-existent. And well, we don't have that many friends. But after our 3 year old was able to convince me someone was indeed knocking, I headed to the door with the baby on my hip. To my dismay, it was not the Publisher's Clearing House Prize Patrol. It was instead a very sweet faced, soft spoken Witness. She was amicable and, for a brief moment, I felt bad about making her stand on the porch in the cold to "witness." I've had plenty of experience with the Jehovah's Witnesses. A few of my friends in the past were Witnesses and they have all, in some form or another, attempted to convert me. I learned a long time ago that letting them inside your home, even though one is attempting to be charitable, is a really bad idea. I deal with them the only way I know how—by smiling and then closing the door. I've heard that answering the door naked works, but I'm way too old for that. I suspect, though, that had I answered the door in my birthday suit, my sweet young visitor would have been convinced all the more that I needed Jehovah.

Now I suspect each and every person has been greeted from time to time by a Jehovah's Witness. They have a pretty thorough door to door campaign which I actually admire. The people, though, are pretty annoying. Actually, it's not the people themselves, but the tactics they employ in an effort to convert those of us who are in the dark. For the unaware, these tactics seem fairly harmless. The sweet young lady who came to my door said only a few words to initiate a response. "With the recent news of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, many people are wondering if God cares about them at all." Yep, that's how she started the visit. I had been thinking about it all week. In my sleep, I could hear babies crying out for their mothers. I could hear mothers screaming in anguish over lost children. I could only imagine the horror on people's faces as the buildings they were standing in collapsed under their feet, crushing them to death. I had already spent nights praying for these poor souls, that God would have mercy and lead them to heaven. And my sweet Jehovah's Witness visitor was counting on just that reaction.

For Jehovah's Witnesses, the Apocalypse is just around the corner. In fact, they used to be in the Armageddon prediction business. I remember two times specifically as a young child and teenager hearing about Witnesses who had sold their homes and quit their jobs in anticipation of Armageddon. Catastrophic events like earthquakes, wars, famine, and poverty are just signs to them that Armageddon is that much closer. There are plenty of Christians who would agree with that. I suspect, just as my Witness visitor suggested, that plenty of people both Christian and non-Christian wonder if, in the face of all these tragedies, God cares for us at all. It's because of these very concerns and suspicions that I believe so many people are drawn to, even obsessed, with the Apocalypse and the end of times. Hollywood has caught on and keeps churning out the movies—The Road, 9, The Book of Eli, and 2012 are a handful that have been released in the last year alone. In the face of wars, natural disasters, starvation, poverty, and corrupt governments it's no wonder people across the planet are anxious. The end is always near.

The End has always been near. It would take an entire page to cite the catastrophes, floods, fires, and wars that have taken place throughout recorded history. Major civilizations have collapsed after thousands of years of prosperity. Political systems, empires, and nations all rise and fall. Entire races of people and species of animals have disappeared. There have always been plagues, pestilence, and disease infecting and destroying huge populations of people. And just as surely as all these things were happening, there have always been people trying to explain them, understand them, and cope with them. Some people, like the Jehovah's Witnesses, have also attempted to exploit them. But Jesus addressed catastrophes. He talked to great multitudes about the end times and he revealed to the disciples the Truth about such things. He told them, and they passed along to us, that this world will surely pass away but that our salvation is in Jesus Christ the Lord; our real reward is in Heaven.

The revelation of Jesus Christ, or the Apocalypse, has been the source of great anxiety, superstition, and lies. Jesus warned us about this in the Gospel according to St. Luke. He said that men will be "withering away for fear, and expectation of what shall come upon the whole world." As I look around in our society, our political institutions, our schools, and even our churches this attitude seems pervasive. It seems our culture's interest has become particularly heightened in the last few decades. Save Our Earth has become the contemporary mantra. There is no shortage of plans to curb population growth, stave off global warming, protect endangered species, and end the nuclear age. We're fighting wars on terrorism, drugs, poverty, and AIDS. Many people, including plenty of Christians, are preoccupied with this world, fearful of its destruction, and downright angry that it's happening in the first place. They've elevated the world and the things in it above our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The world is their idol. They are looking for salvation in their own achievements, their own finances, and their own wisdom. They are lost and the Devil is delighted.

The world is going to end. Big deal. No one knows when that time will be. No matter how many predictions are made or how many clever ways humans calculate time, nothing changes the fact that only God knows when the last day will be. I imagine most people will face their own personal end long before the world explodes. It's that realization that concerns me a great deal. Although I hope to be a centenarian one day, I cannot be certain that I won't get hit by a car tomorrow, develop cancer, or get crushed in a building during an earthquake. And that's why this whole sad business in Haiti and the Jehovah's Witness bothers me. For almost 2 weeks now, I've prayed for the poor souls of those who have died. I've often wondered what they were doing in those last minutes. Was some mother yelling at her children? Was some young boy grabbing a sweet potato from a neighbor's garden? Was a young unmarried girl slipping off for a romp with her boyfriend? Was grandma praying the Rosary? Was a grown man helping his aged father get dressed for the day? Were their children singing to their younger siblings? Had everyone been to confession that morning? Was anyone pleading with God to save them and give them one more chance to be better and do more for others? I have often imagined that those people are me, taken by surprise that the end is sooner than I planned. Am I ready? Will I be like the thief hanging on Jesus' left, resentful of my temporal punishments, longing for the pleasure of this world, pleading with Christ to "save me" from death? Or will I be like the thief hanging with Jesus on his right, publicly acknowledging my sins, embracing my suffering and trials, and humbly asking for Christ to remember me in His Kingdom?

As I closed the door behind my young Jehovah's Witness visitor, I felt sad. In her current state, anticipating a future living on this earth, denying the existence of an immortal soul, this young girl will probably never be with Christ in Heaven. I prayed that, before she dies, she will find the Truth. I prayed that I will learn how to replace my fear of man with the fear of God. I prayed that I will learn how to love, live, act, and speak the Truth without fearing criticism, ridicule, and scorn from other people. I prayed that I, in my sinfulness, will always remember the Lord and his Truth so that on the last day He will remember me.

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest perhaps your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly. For as a snare shall it come upon all that sit upon the face of the whole earth. Watch ye, therefore, praying at all times, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that are to come, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:33-36


O My Jesus, forgive us our sins; save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy Mercy. Amen

Nemo, Fish or Foe?

    Our 8 year old son is fascinated with giant animals. He especially likes giant animals that lurk underwater. One of his favorite television shows is River Monsters. So when our family movie arrived in the mail last week, I had high hopes. I was sure he'd love it, but I wasn't convinced the younger ones would be interested. I had, after all, committed the ultimate parenting faux pas; I ordered a Disney movie that wasn't animated. But it did have a great story question and a giant squid. To my surprise, that was actually enough to keep even our preschoolers occupied in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

    After we watched the movie, I told my husband I was going to review it. He scoffed. I, honestly, do not know why. Yea, I know the move is over 50 years old. I also know that the movie takes some liberties with Jules Vern's book. I will even admit the special effects and graphics are cheesy by today's standards. But 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a classic. I read the book and watched the movie when I was a kid. Frankly, I don't remember much about either one except that huge squid. There is a funny thing, though, about classic movies. Sometimes the whole premise is lost in the translation. But translating that into a Disney movie just makes the story messier. Our kids actually thought the entire plot revolved about a giant squid attacking boats. Any attempt I made to explain otherwise left them confused. I suspect that's what happened with me. That's probably why I never really considered there just might be more to the story.

    From a Christian perspective, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (G) is family friendly science fiction. The story follows three men, a professor, his assistant, and a master harpooner, as they search the seas investigating the rumors of a violent sea monster. Paul Lukas plays Professor Pierre Aronnax, the scientist who, along with his assistant Conseil (Peter Lorre), has been commissioned by the U.S Government to either prove or disprove the existence of such a monster. They embark on their expedition upon a Naval ship. Onboard, as part of the ship's crew, is Ned Land played by Kirk Douglas. Ned Land has been hired for his skill at harpooning dangerous sea creatures. After several months, the Naval Commander is ready to call off the mission when their ship is attacked. Prof. Arronax, Conceil, and Ned Land are all thrown overboard and seek refuge on a strange metal vessel. They soon realize this vessel, a "submerging boat", is the monster they have been looking for. Once inside the submarine, the trio are captured by Captain Nemo (James Mason), commander of the Nautilus. The tale progresses as Professor Aronnax attempts to understand Nemo and to uncover his secrets, while Ned remains suspicious and searches for ways to escape.

I enjoyed 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea precisely because the movie was filmed in 1954. I felt I could relax and not worry about foul language, drug references, or sexual innuendo. Since it is a Disney film, I was a bit surprised to see a drunken Ned Land singing to a seal. The scene is very cleverly done so I don't think children notice much accept the little seal clapping and doing tricks. Other than that, I don't think there is really anything offensive or frightening in the film at all. Kids of all ages can find something to like in this movie. There is music, humor, mystery, and adventure. Like most of these type movies, the idea of good vs. evil is easy to recognize. I think children can see that Captain Nemo is a creepy, wicked man, even without his playing of Bach's Toccata & Fugue in D minor. Other Christian concepts, though, aren't really obvious. Even if they were, I imagine children will still find the most exciting moments in the whole movie are the screaming cannibals and the giant, man-eating squid.

The movie, unlike the book, attempts to address an issue that is currently a hot topic—environmentalism. I'm not certain that it is true, but some have speculated that Walt Disney may have been an environmentalist. If so, that might explain the environmentalist theme running throughout the film. Captain Nemo has found a way to harness nuclear power. This power keeps his entire submarine travelling through the ocean. It is this secret that Captain Nemo feels he must keep hidden from the rest of the world. Even though this power could change the world, Captain Nemo believes that humans are too corrupt to use it properly. In fact, Captain Nemo believes that all of mankind is wicked and warlike. Escaping to the sea, he only finds solace in his natural environment. This idea is fundamental to environmentalism. Environmentalists believe that humans are a threat to the environment and, therefore, the earth and her resources must be protected. At first glance, this philosophy may seem complimentary to Christian theology. Environmentalism, however, runs the risk of placing a higher value on nature itself that on the needs of human beings. This is a perversion of God's plan for mankind. The Book of Genesis explains that God intended for humans to live on the Earth and use her resources, but God also trusted man with the care of His creation. Authentic Christianity teaches that nature is not merely at man's disposal but that man has the responsibility to use resources wisely, without neglecting his duty to the rest of mankind. Christian children are never too young to participate in the care of their environment, such as through recycling projects or neighborhood gardens. This is also a good opportunity for older children to consider more complex topics such as providing renewable energy resources throughout the world, especially to poorer nations.

When we watched 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, I honestly didn't expect much. I really only remembered Captain Nemo and that darn squid. If nothing else, I thought the children would get a taste for the classics. I came away with something I never expected—a new perspective on Disney movies. I won't say I don't like them, but I will start paying closer attention. I recently read that Disney plans to do a remake of the movie. I can only imagine what magic will come out of their studio this time. We'll probably take our children to see it. Of course we'll tell them that we want to compare it to the movie of our youth. In reality, we'll just be looking for the giant squid.