A New Order (Friday, Week 34, Year 2)

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Newton’s Third Law vis-à-vis the Dynamics of Eschatological Rebirth

“Rebirth”, “renewal” and “transformation” are terms associated with “change”. Change is a kind of movement: maybe, a movement from point A to point B whether for good or bad. According to Newton’s third law of motion, “for every action, there must be an equal and opposite reaction”. Movement is an action. So, we can further say that “for every movement, there must be an equal and opposite movement”. Since change is a kind of movement, it won’t be out of place to say that “for every process of change, there must be a counter-change.” The Newtonian law is a law of physics which ordinarily may have little or no relevance or bearing in the spiritual realm. However, within the context of the scriptural readings for today, the Newtonian law may help us understand the dynamics of eschatological change: it will help us appreciate the fact that eschatological change, rebirth or renewal or the emergence of a new heaven, a new earth or a new order will not take place until opposing forces (of evil) have been overcome. And that is why it is said that “nothing new or nothing good comes easy”.


What then is the message of Revelation 20:1-4.11-21:2?  

John the visioner says that he saw a certain kind of power realignment and judgment which would usher in the great rebirth and transformation. First, there would be a defeat of the ancient serpent (who is the Devil or Satan) which would not have happened easily; then there would be thrones (a symbol of elevation). After that, there would be revival or resurrection of those who were beheaded for their testimony to Jesus (those who didn’t worship the beast); then there would be an appearance of a great white throne and him who sat on it. Before the throne, the dead great and small would stand to be judged. “Death” and “Hades” would give up the dead in them to be judged as well. After the judgment, those whose names were not found in the book of life together with “Death” and “Hades” would be thrown into the lake of fire. After all of that, there would be a great rebirth, an appearance of a new heaven and a new earth – the holy city, the New Jerusalem. The first heaven, the first earth, the old Jerusalem, Death and Hades, the beast, the dragon and the ancient serpent would have gone and gone forever, all would have passed away. 

All in all, the picture we get from this passage is the dismantling of the old order for the emergence of the new order. But it came at a price. The renewal wouldn’t have happened without the overthrow of the opposing forces and structures of evil. For every change, there must be a counter-change.


How does the Gospel passage (cf. Rev. 20:1-4.11-21:2) connect with the first reading (cf. Luke 21:29-33)?

Trees do all their growing during spring and summer. When they begin to sprout leaves, it is a sign that summer is near, a favorable time for plants and trees. But they must have gone through the harsh period of winter before entering the joyful blossoming period of spring and summer. In other words, plants blossom and change into beautiful foliage during summer after they must have been subjected to the counter-change period of harsh winter. Jesus uses this analogy of weather-change and its impacts on plants to make clear the fact that “for every change, there must be or there must have been a counter-change”. 


Application: What is the final message of the two readings for us?

As John rightly envisions in the Book of Revelation, there must be a final dismantling of the old order for the emergence of the new order at the end of time. But it must come at a price. On the other hand, Jesus uses the weather analogy to explain to the disciples and to us that the “winter” period of challenges and trials should be a period of heightened expectation for a summer period of positive change, transformation and blossoming. From the two passages then, we must know and take to heart that the track towards a positive change and renewal must run through the track of challenge and counter-change. And that is why Jesus tells His disciples, “When you see these things (upheavals and turmoil) happening, know that the kingdom of God is near” (cf. Luke 21:31).     


    


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