St. John Bosco was once teaching a class when one of the boys asked, "Don Bosco, what would you do if you found out that the world was going to end in an hour?"
The saint replied, "I'd keep teaching this class." Not a bad answer at all. The most effective way we can prepare for the last judgment is simply by meeting the duties that daily life brings.
If I was teaching my Sunday School class and found out the world was going to end in an hour, I'd lean toward an early dismissal. And it wouldn't be to rush home and finish filling out my tax returns.
Richard John Neuhaus addressed this topic in his last item in his last While We're At It in his last The Public Square column for First Things, February 2009.
And yes, the question has occurred to me that, if I have but a little time to live, should I be spending it writing this column. I have heard it attributed to figures as various as Brother Lawrence and Martin Luther—when asked what they would do if they knew they were going to die tomorrow, they answered that they would plant a tree and say their prayers. (Luther is supposed to have added that he would quaff his favored beer.) Maybe I have, at least metaphorically, planted a few trees, and certainly I am saying my prayers.
When Father Neuhaus was here for a Pallium Lecture, Archbishop Dolan's introduction mentioned their two mutual friends. While I appreciate having that last column by Father Neuhaus, I hope he also had time for a farewell meeting with Jack and Mac.
[Milwaukee Catholic Herald,
November 20, 2008]
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