They say to let bygones be bygones. Forgive those who have trespassed against you. Well, that’s easier said than done. Growing up was tough. My friends and I tried to keep out of trouble and not have any run-ins with the cops. As a Mexican kid, it was hard living in a society which treated …
Father Morelli’s Guilt & Decision
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com Father Morelli was in the sanctuary, earnestly praying and beseeching God to forgive him. "In Your Word, it says that no temptation has overtaken a person that is not common to everyone. You are faithful, and You will not let anyone be tempted beyond his or her strength, but with …
Jealousy, The Kiss & The Sun Shower
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com He read, "if a spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife who has defiled herself; or if a spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife, though she has not defiled herself." He was a priest so he was …
The Rosary, Macbeth & Naples
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com Father Morelli was in the sanctuary praying when Genet walked in. She stopped, not wanting to disturb him and waited. Twenty minutes later, he turned and saw her standing there. He slipped the Rosary into the pocket of his cassock. "Hello," he said. She walked over to him. "Hello. You …
How Temptation Works
Photo by Agafonova Photo on Pexels.com "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts …
The Wedding, Part Two
Nal became morose as he thought about Jameila. She was the only one who wasn't going to be at his wedding. She was going to Miami to visit her sister and her family. When she showed up at the restaurant with Kwaku instead of alone, he was taken aback. He tried to hide his displeasure …
Celibacy & Abortion
Father Kiesler was in his office with Bishop Haas. The bishop had just completed his pastoral visit. He seemed quite pleased. "Father Kiesler, you're doing a fine job with the school and the parish," he told him. "As fine a job as the late Father Schmidt." "Thank you, Your Excellency." "Is there something on your …
A Letter From Cate
Boris was still trying to process the letter he had received from Cate. He hadn't thought about her for ages because of his relationship with Tulia and then, out of the blue, he received the letter. It was in the letterbox on Friday when he checked before heading up to his flat after coming home …
Confessions
I sat there in the confessional booth wondering if I was committing blasphemy. I was a priest, yes but I was also a man and I was doing something which the Bible says only God should be doing--forgiving sins. The only people I should be forgiving are those who have wronged me. That's what it …
Serpents, Accusations & Salvation
They were hanging out in front of the hotel where they were staying after returning from sightseeing and having lunch when Dushan asked her, "Do you have anything against Jews?" Surprised by his question, she replied, "No. Why would I?" "You're a Christian, right?" "Yes." "I've heard of some Christians who have a problem with …
Notes to Women 