28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Once there was a rich man who showed up at the entrance to heaven. Saint Peter, sitting at his desk in front of the gate, opened the rich man’s Book of Life and pored over the pages. Finally he looked up and said, “I’m sorry, but I see nothing here that qualifies you for entry into heaven.”

The rich man protested, reminding the clerk that he’d helped the poor. Saint Peter went back into the book, searching for a favorable entry. His finger stabbed the page. “Oh, here’s something. It says that in 1957 you once gave a quarter to a street beggar.” The rich man’s face brightened.

“I’ll have to clear this with the Board,” Peter said. When he returned 10 minutes later, the rich man rose from his seat, awaiting the joyous news.

“Sorry” Saint Peter said, “Here’s your quarter back.”

Deacon Dick Folger