Appointment in Samarra

 For man does not know his time. [Ecclesiastes 9:12]

The following tale has come to mind recently, and seems apropos for our time. It is an ancient Mesopotamian fable which was retold by English author W. Somerset Maugham in 1933.

A merchant in Baghdad sends his servant to the marketplace for provisions. Soon afterwards, the servant comes home white and trembling and tells him that in the marketplace, he was jostled by a woman, whom he recognized as Death, who made a threatening gesture. Borrowing the merchant’s horse, he flees at great speed to Samarra, a distance of about 75 miles, where he believes Death will not find him. 

The merchant then goes to the marketplace and finds Death, and asks why she made the threatening gesture to his servant. She replies, “That was not a threatening gesture, it was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I have an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.”

Lord, help me not to be afraid of death.  May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.