Many years ago, a beloved Pope died and went to heaven. Saint Peter greeted
him in a firm embrace. "Welcome your holiness, your dedication and unselfishness
in serving your fellow man during your life has earned you great stature in
heaven. You may pass through the gates without delay and are granted free access
to all parts of heaven."
St. Peter continued: "You are also granted an open-door policy and may, at
your own discretion, meet with any heavenly leader including the Father, without
prior appointment. Is there anything which your holiness desires?"
"Well, yes," the Pope replied. "I have often pondered some of the mysteries
which have puzzled and confounded theologians through the ages. Are there
perhaps any transcripts which recorded the actual conversations between God and
the prophets of old? I would love to see what was actually said, without the
dimming of memories over time."
St. Peter immediately ushered the Pope to the heavenly library and explained
how to retrieve the various documents. The Pope was thrilled and settled down to
review the history of humanity's relationship with God.
Two years later, a scream of anguish pierced the quiet of the library.
Immediately several of the saints and angels came running.
They found the Pope pointing to a single word on a parchment, repeating over
and over: "There's an 'R'. There's an 'R.' There's an 'R'... It's CELIBRATE, not
celibate!"
