DEATH……
The old priest lay dying in the hospital. For years he had faithfully served the people of the nation's capital. He motioned for his nurse to come near. "Yes, Father?" said the nurse.
"I would really like to see X-prime-ministers Jean Chrétien and Brian Mulroney before I die," whispered the priest.
"I'll see what I can do, Father." replied the nurse.
The nurse sent the request to the prime minister's office and waited for a response. Soon the word arrived, ex prime-ministers Jean Chrétien and Brian Mulroney would be delighted to visit the priest. As they went to the hospital, Jean commented to Brian, "I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly help our images and might even get me re-elected someday. Brian said it was a good thing.
When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Brian's hand in his right hand and Jean's hand in his left. There was silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face. Finally Brian Mulroney spoke. "Father, of all the people you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?"
The old priest slowly replied, "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
"Amen," said Brian.
"Amen," said Jean.
The old priest continued, "Jesus died between two lying thieves. I would like to do the same." |
