The popular science fiction apocalyptic disaster film “2012” based on a belief that cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on or around December 21 in the year 2012, which is said to be the end-date of a 5,125-year-long Mayan Long Count calendar. All forms of disasters occur—fires, volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. Yet, in the end, a small of group of humanity are spared, even though the earth is no longer as it was. This movie, however, reminds me of the passage in Mark’s gospel:

“When you hear of wars and reports of wars do not be alarmed; such things must happen, but it will not yet be the end. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes from place to place and there will be famines. These are the beginnings of labor pains. Watch out for yourselves. They will hand you over to the courts. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will be arraigned before governors and kings because of me, as a witness before them. “But the gospel must be preached to all nations.” (Mark 13:7-10).

Advent is a time when we prepare for the seconding coming of Christ. The film “2012” is a fantasy, just another disaster movie. But the reality of God’s coming a second time is not a fantasy or something to be feared.

The biblical passage that describes our Catholic sense of Advent may best be from the book of Revelation:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” (Rev 21:1-4)

It is not so much that when Jesus Christ comes a second time that he will wipe out the world, but rather, he will transform the earth and paradise will be restored. As we await this coming, each of us is to transform our personal lives to be a clearer image of our Lord and co-worker in his Kingdom.

Thus, I wait for the day when the following evils are overcome and I wait in hope that he shall come to pass:

My godson, David, serves in Afghanistan. I wait for a world where peace is more common than war.

My nephews have college degrees and are looking for work in their professions. I wait for a world where fair wages and plentiful work is available to all.

Martin, a Glenmary aspirant in Nigeria has been denied a second time for his visa. I wait for serious immigration reform that respects the freedom of choice to live and work where God is calling.

Over 200 counties in the United States have no Catholic church and many more are without a pastoral minister (priest, brother, or sister). I wait for a day when every county in the United States has a Catholic Church presence and the grace of Christ, found through the sacraments, is available to all.

As you prepare for the seconding coming of Christ this advent, what are you waiting for?