The Dark Day, as it's become known, took place on May 19, 1780, in New England and parts of eastern Canada. Around mid-morning it got so dark that people had to light candles in their homes. It is believed that forest fires in Canada mixed with local fog was the reason behind the event. However, for the people at that time, many of whom were convinced Protestants, the phenomenon would have sent them searching for biblical precedents. There are some verses in Matthew’s gospel that might have led them to believe that the second coming of Christ was immanent and the end of the world was nigh.
Gracious God,
we ask your help for those who see in many natural events signs that the end of the world is coming.
We pray for the families of the people of Kenya who starved to death because their pastor promised them it was the way to enter heaven.
We ask that people not take advantage of other people’s beliefs and fears to manipulate or control them.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
Photo: Canva
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