Since ancient times, humans have tried to foresee the future for various reasons: to anticipate and prepare for threats, to understand and control their environment, or to find the best time to make or execute important decisions that will have a major impact on their future. To try to see beyond the present, over the centuries they have made use of the most diverse signs: the flight of birds, dreams, the shape of clouds, the alignment of planets or the entrails of sacrificed animals, among others.
Many years ago, a journalist asked an eminent physicist to confirm the reliability of scientific forecasts, starting with weather forecasts. The physicist, Niel Bohr, a Nobel laureate in 1922, replied: “Prediction is very difficult, especially when it concerns the future“. The irony with which he said it revealed, above all, the seriousness and also the humility of a true sage in the face of those who pontificate arrogantly, confident of their clairvoyance, presenting themselves as the oracles of knowledge. Despite all the fiascos, the prediction of the future continues to be of interest to ordinary mortals and is open to exploration in a variety of ways.
There is, however, an aspect of this theme that affects us as believers. In Advent we are told of hope for a future to come. It is not so much a period of four weeks, but a dimension of faith that we especially care for now. We are invited to prepare ourselves for the Lord’s final coming, which we do not know when it will happen.
But that does not seem to be of common interest: we will not hear: “It is already Advent at the Corte Inglés” or the like. On the contrary, until the end of the year we will see repeated interviews in all kinds of newspapers and publications with astrologers or charlatans who claim false scientific titles and presumptuously venture into multiple forecasts and predictions. What is more, many media outlets profit from the stupidity of the gullible, who, week after week, feed this market of deception with their horoscopes.
Advent comes to tell us that it is the human person, with his freedom, who prepares his own future, and God, with his plan that exceeds our projects, which often involve unexpected paths. This was perfectly understood by that amusing English saying: “If you want to see God laugh out loud, tell him your plans“. The future is unpredictable. It enters the realm of mystery.
Let us not be fooled by magicians, fortune tellers, psychics and clairvoyants. They belong to the category of swindlers. Their exploitation of so many weak, suffering and naive people is infamous. We must prepare ourselves to live vigilant, sober and watchful lives, as we wait for God to fulfil his promise. We wait for what is worthwhile without seeking to control or manipulate the future.
Juan Carlos cmf
(PHOTO: chandlervid85)
