These Thy Gifts

by Frank Di Giovanni

    John Budget dipped his finger into the bowl of holy water and ran it quickly over his forehead. The coolness of his crossing finger contrasted with the warmth of his thinking the blessed liquid would somehow improve his mind, keep it from having any bizarre thoughts, maybe even improve it so it would reach heights never before attained.

He gazed at the dimly lit altar, a familiar and comforting sight, always a place of reassurance and calm. He sat, then knelt in a pew.

He bowed his head, prayed, and tried to recall the sins of the past week. Looking at the altar, he asked for guidance in preparing a meaningful and truthful confession.

He really didn’t commit any horrible sins. He wasn’t a murderer. A thief. It wasn’t as if he led a double life, banker during the light of day, embezzler the dark of night.

After a while he rose and took his place in line just outside the confessional box. Several people were waiting there. He folded his hands in a contemplative manner and stared at the empty pews. The dark spacious church gave him a peaceful feeling and he sighed, thinking how wonderful it must be to live in such a place, where everything was good and pure, tranquil and proper, so different from the outside world. He occupied his mind with these somber thoughts and said an occasional prayer as he waited.

When his turn came he entered the box. The place was so dark he stumbled as he knelt before the small window, behind which sat the priest. As the window opened with a gentle sliding thud he made the sign of the cross and said, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.”

The priest spoke rapidly saying prayers, then asked him what his sins were.

"I used bad language during the week," he whispered.

"How many times?" said the priest.

"Not many, Father. Only two or three times."

“What else?''

“I was discourteous to my wife and kids”

“How many times?"

“Not many. Only a couple.”

"What else ?”

“I was envious of my neighbor’s goods.”

“How many times?

“Only once, Father."

“What else?"

"Nothing else, Father"

"Did you eat meat on Friday?" the priest asked.

“Oh no, Father," he said loudly. “I never do that Never. "

"All right my son. You must remember not to use bad language. Try to control yourself. You must be kind to your wife. She is the mother of your children, the one God has chosen you to live with and to love. Be kind also to your children. Remember how much Our Lord loved children. Love them as he does Do not covet your neighbor's goods. They are only material things that will pass as this world will. Desire only the love of God. It is only with him that we shall find happiness and live forever. Remember these things my son and for the coming week try to lead a holy and good life. For your penance say five Hail Mary's and five Our Father's. And now ask God to forgive you by making a sincere Act of Contrition.”

He humbled himself and prayed and the priest whispered along with him.

Soon the priest said, "God bless you, my son," and closed the window.

John stepped from the box and headed for the altar where he said his penance for the sins he had committed. When he left the church he experienced a singular sense of well being. His heart felt strong and pure and he enjoyed the cold December wind as it whipped across his face.

"I'm in a state of grace," he thought. "If I were to die now, I'd go straight to heaven. Yes Sir. Straight to Heaven."