"Let's go have a drink together." He made the proposition.

"Thanks but I can't. I am tired and tomorrow is Sunday; I have a lot to do. So good night! Chin up. I'll see you again. Call me."

"Thank you, Father."

"Any time you are in trouble come to see me." "Okay."

"But without revolver," I added.

"But also without fight, Father," he laughed.

When I reached home I checked all the theological books I had. They all classified the relationship between Joe and Fred as "sinful relations" which would be the same as the "status of living in mortal sin." In my prayers that night I asked God to help and guide Joe and Fred. If their relationship was so sinful they would need the Holy Spirit to take care that their minds were changed. one idea especially did not leave me in peace-are all the theories about mortal sins the real teachings and the will of God, or could they just be the product of humans, the result of speculations by persons who pretend to talk in the name of God?

I heard nothing from Joe for about two months. One night there was a telephone call.

"This is Joe." The voice was not familiar.

"Which Joe; I know so many Joes?"

"Do you remember our fight that night, Father?"

"Yes, I do. How are you?"

"I must see you tonight!" His voice had a happy sound.

"Where?"

"The same place; the church door."

"All right." I hung up the phone.

At the appointed time, I saw two men walking toward the church door. After they saw me, they came toward me.

"Father," Joe was excited, "yesterday Fred came back. Let me introduce you. Fred, this is Father Davis."

"How do you do," I barely managed before Joe pushed by.

"I want to show Fred the place where you saved my life," he said. "Here we had the fight-I am sorry, Father."

Fred, a tall skinny chap, spoke up. "I am glad we know you. I would like to talk to you. You know I left-but I couldn't help feeling that my decision to leave Joe was wrong. I love God, Father. Because God is love, he doesn't want to make our lives miserable. He gave me Joe, who is a fine companion; and now, Father, please bless us both."

It was a wonderful night. The moon was so light and friendly. I could see these two boys and their faces. They moved closer to each other and kneeled down. The stars were brighter than the candles on the altar during the highest ceremonies. The trees and the bushes around were, together with the wind, like a choir singing "Veni Creator Spiritus." I was certain that God is not like a narrow-thinking man. Christianity cannot be limited by the intolerance of the past. God wants to embrace all his children. I couldn't resist I gave them the blessing.

"Benedictio Dei Omnipotentis, Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti descendat super vos et maneat semper. Amen."

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