dying priest

[Bitter End]

In London an 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 the Prime Minister and the Business Secretary before I die", whispered the priest.

"I'll see what I can do, Father", replied the nurse.

The nurse sent the request to Parliament and waited for a response.

Soon the word arrived; Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Business secretary Peter Mandelson would be delighted to visit the priest.

As they went to the hospital, Gordon commented to Peter, "I don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly will help our images and might even get me re-elected Prime Minister.

Peter agreed that it was a good thing.

When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Gordon’s hand in his right hand and Peter’s hand in his left.

There was silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face.

Finally Gordon Brown 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 Gordon. "Amen", said Peter.

The old priest continued, "Jesus died between two lying thieves; I would like to do the same."

[numberplease]

Amen