The End

228 years ago (on May 19), a strange darkness befell part of the United States and Canada in the middle of the day.

Many thought it was the end of the world.

The Connecticut Legislature was in session and some suggested an adjournment, so that everyone could go to their families and their churches. One of the elder statesmen, Abraham Davenport, a minister’s son, stood and spoke

“I am against an adjournment. The day of judgment is either approaching, or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause of an adjournment: if it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish therefore that candles may be brought.”

Candles were brought in, the legislators continued at their duties, and the world did not end.

The end would come for Abraham Davenport several years later, they say, as he died in his mid-seventies while fulfilling his duties presiding at a trial.

Today’s first reading is the end of the book of the Acts of the Apostles (28:16-20, 30-31), but it scarcely feels like an end, for although Saint Paul could be dragged off to his death at any time (and it would indeed not be long before this would happen), Saint Paul remains focused on his duty, as the very last verse of the book tells us:

He received all who came to him,
and with complete assurance
and without hindrance
he proclaimed the Kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

We ourselves can be very distracted in our lives and sometimes can be distracted by fear of death or of the end of the world.

We should follow the example of Saint Paul and remain focused always on our duty, especially our duties as followers of Christ, at every moment, no matter what, for we do not know when the end may come.

Lord Jesus Christ, son of the living God, be merciful to me – a sinner.