The Goblin Of Death

Old Patrick O’Brien lay in his bed, dying. In fact, he had been dying for several weeks. And, during that time, Father Murphy, his parish priest, had visited him almost daily. Then, one night, when the weather outside was frightful, old Patrick took a turn for the worse. “Mary,” he called out, “Mary, come quickly” –and his wife came running to his bedside. “Mary,” he said, “my time has come. I’m being called to the bosom of the Lord. Please call the rabbi from the synagogue around the corner. Hurry, please!” Mary was astonished. “Call the rabbi?” she said. “Poor darling, I think your fever’s running high. I’ll just call Father Murphy.” Again the dying man begged, “Please call the rabbi before its too late.” Mary clasped her hands and looked up toward heaven. “Lord, forgive my raving husband. He must have gone out of his mind. Why else would he be asking for the rabbi instead of his friend, Father Murphy, in his last…