Page 24 - May 2020

PERSPECTIVES

Don’t Need No Stinkin’ FEAR

Paul Fanning, DTM

I am reminded every time I turn on my and the unsaved cast into eternal flames. (I suspect
computer to surf the internet or watch TV that we that continually facing plagues, pestilence, and

are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic that warfare would color one’s perspective.)
no one has faced before in our lifetime. There are I am sure you have heard that deep, sonorous,
those who cry out “It’s the end of the world,” and and disturbing rhythm of the Dies before on a
want us to live in fear and panic. Others decry multitude of horror and apocalyptic movies.

this as a false, man-made disease to allow “them” Even today, every time I hear the chant, I begin
to better take control over the world. to remember at least three times in my life when
It appears to me that many people seem to visions of my end of life flashed before my eyes.
heed the instructions and methods of well being You have heard the adage “fight or flight”

declared by the various health organizations and at least once before now. Usually that means
governments. Thank goodness! you can control your circumstances or act to
Yet, that “little voice in my head” continues alleviate the danger. All is well and good if you
to play repeatedly the ominous strains of the can determine your course of action. Not all of

12th century, Gregorian chant Dies Irae (Day of us get that opportunity!
Wrath). The chant describes the Last Judgment, I spent two years teaching and other duties as
with trumpets summoning souls before the assigned at a small private college in Southern
throne of God, where the saved will be delivered California. I held a private post-secondary

24 ONE COMMUNITY