Seven years ago, the world was shaken by the news that the world will come to its end in the 21st of December through Mayan calendar this assumption was made. Calamities such as earthquakes, storms, tsunamis, fires and others will hit the world for once. Others said that a big asteroid will crash to the Earth which will led to its destruction. Many were alarmed upon hearing the news. Some believed it because of the information circulating the internet stating proofs that will surely happen, while others simply wait of whatever happen on that day. Before the so called doomsday many was waiting until the very first seconds of that day but minutes and hours passed by and the earth was still unharmed. In short, that day ended peacefully.

Several weeks ago, Mindanao was hit by several earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks, leaving many families homeless, number of casualties listed and left fears in hearts of every Filipino residing in Mindanao. After a strong earthquake, there is this guy claiming he commands the shakes to stop and we should thank him for doing so. Floods in Northern Luzon due to typhoon, wild fires in Amazon and Australia, strong typhoon and earthquake that hit Japan at the same time and chaos in Hong Kong.

And what scared us the most is the coming of the “big one” a strong earthquake that would possibly hit Metro Manila that could risk thousands of lives. That is why different government agencies conduct earthquake drill to spread awareness of the do’s and don’ts during and after shake.

The above calamities were all terrifying. It causes fears and panic in our hearts. But Jesus said in our gospel today, “See that you do not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying “I am he” and “the time has come”. Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”

So what’s the best thing to do? Like how the government agencies are doing now. We should also prepare ourselves spiritually. Keep on praying. Keep on trusting God. Keep on doing good deeds. Live our lives in a way that God’s name will be glorified. Continue to be a blessing to others despite our own hardships.

Let us not be easily swayed by the predictions of false prophets. Instead, let’s always be prepared for no one truly knows when is the coming of the end.

– Jovs

A reflection by Jovs for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time from the November 17th 2019 issue of the Neo Jeremiah Voice of the Young Prophet Newsletter of the St. Peregrine Laziosi Diocesan Shrine.