The Cardinal and the Crook

“Johnny has always been the more sensitive one—even when he was an infant,” Father Pat said. “I remember holding him in my arms, and he would be so gentle and peaceful. Jimmy would always be squirming and kicking. It was a real wrestling match with him!”

“I can just imagine what they were like as toddlers. John is also the more spiritual of the two.”

“You are absolutely correct with that observation. Johnny received the Holy Spirit, and Jimmy got the wild one! In fact, that’s the only way I can really ever tell them apart—by their personalities.”

“John takes his altar server role very seriously, Father Pat. You probably know that he is already considering the priesthood. He asks me about the seminary regularly.”

“I’m not surprised. I’ve watched him, and whenever he is on the altar, he is completely focused—captivated—by every aspect of the mass. Johnny is the one who wants to serve a greater purpose by channeling good into the world. Who knows—maybe he’ll take over for us someday.” Father Pat smiled with pride as he imagined John saying mass and giving an inspirational homily. “On the other hand, Jimmy is always so easily distracted while serving on the altar.”

“Yes, I noticed,” Father Jason agreed, “especially whenever a cute girl sits in the front pew. By the way, I also realized that the altar wine ran out more quickly when Jimmy served at mass. So, I decided to replace the wine with bitter red wine vinegar on a day he was scheduled to serve. Since then, the wine doesn’t seem to disappear as fast!”

Father Pat’s hand immediately went to his forehead, and he just shook his head. “Sometimes that boy worries me!”

“Pat, you shouldn’t worry. You’ve done a great job raising him. Jimmy has a good heart, and in the end, he’ll a lways do what’s right.”

“Yes . . . yes, you’re correct. In the end, he’ll always do the right thing!”

“But it probably won’t hurt for us to keep an eye on your scotch,” Father Jason said with a wink and a smile.