When Giacomo Puccini was nearing the end of his life, he started to write his last opera, Turandot, possibly his best opera. But when he felt so weak, he asked his friend conductor Arturo Toscanini to find someone to finish it. This was actually completed by Franco Alfano. Puccini died in 1924 and Turandot was performed for the first time in 1926, directed by Toscanini. When the conductor arrived at the spot when Puccini died, he turned towards the audience and told them ‘this is how far the Maestro wrote.’ He then put the baton down and walked away, followed by a prolonged applause. The second time he conducted the opera he did the whole performance, including the last part completed by Alfano. It was well received as their style was very similar. This story encourages us to be aware of our unfinished business we have on our journey of faith. When Jesus ascended into heaven, he left the apostles to finish the work He started. Like a relay race, the baton is now in our hands, after the apostles and many holy people did excellent work by keeping Christianity alive and well over the centuries. Let’s not disappoint Him, but continue our duty at hand and spreading the good news by our faithful witness.
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