The Pope met with his Cardinals to discuss a proposal from Benjamin
Netanyahu, the leader of Israel. “Your Holiness “, said one of his
Cardinals, “Mr. Netanyahu wants to challenge you to a game of golf to show
the friendship and ecumenical spirit shared by the Jewish and Catholic
faiths.”
The Pope thought this was a good idea, but he had never held a golf club in
his hand. “Don’t we have a Cardinal to represent me? ” he asked.
“None that plays very well,” a Cardinal replied. “But,” he added, “there is
a man named Jack Nicklaus, an American golfer who is a devout Catholic. We
can offer to make him a Cardinal, and then ask him to play Mr. Netanyahu as
your personal representative. In addition to showing our spirit of
cooperation, we’ll also win the match.”
Everyone agreed it was a good idea, and the call was made. Of course,
Nicklaus was honored to be made a Cardinal, and agreed to play. The day
after the match, Cardinal Nicklaus reported to the Vatican to inform the
Pope of the result. “I have some good news and some bad news, your
Holiness,” said the golfer.
“Tell me the good news first, Cardinal Nicklaus, ” said the Pope.
“Well, your Holiness, I don’t like to brag, but even though I’ve played some
pretty terrific rounds of golf in my life, this was the best I have ever
played, by far. I must have been inspired from above. My drives were long
and true, my irons were accurate and purposeful, and my putting was perfect.
With all due respect, my play was truly miraculous.”
“And what’s the bad news? ” the Pope asked. Nicklaus sighed. “I lost to
Rabbi Tiger Woods by three strokes.”
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
[email protected] www.grif.net
“Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!”