Father Paul and Andrew

Father Paul and Andrew.
Father Paul was an old priest who had a catechist called Andrew he trusted so much. He quickly assigned Andrew to most of the villages’ churches under his parish to conduct mass in his place. When Andrew was gone, he will linger around to use Andrew’s wife. Andrew had heard it from the villagers but decided not to fight back after all; he was helping himself with the nice wine that Father used in conducting communion services. Father Paul had observed that the wine was finishing faster than he used it so he began turning the bottle upside down to mark it and know the level of the wine. Though only Andrew had access to the wine room Father did not confront him. He felt that during absolution, he will know the truth and he will rebuke Andrew. Andrew on his part was not happy that Father was using his wife. He felt that Father at least owes him an apology but it was not forth coming and drinking the wine was balancing the equation.
Finally, during the end of year confession, it was Andrew’s turn. Andrew had confessed all his sins but did not mention the wine. He felt it redeemed, by Father sleeping the wife. Father waited until Andrew was done. Then he said, “Andrew have you finished”? He asked in a soft but stern voice. “Yes, Father” Andrew replied. “Andrew” Father called. Andrew answered, “yes Father”. “Have you finished” Father asked again. Andrew once more said, “yes Father”. “Andrew this is the third time I am asking you this; have you finished” Father insisted. Andrew sensing something was wrong said “Father I have forgotten the rest”. Father said, “Andrew if you have forgotten who used to steal my wine”? Andrew quickly asked, “what”? Father repeated again “Andrew, who used to steal my communion wine”? Father repeated. “What” Andrew asked as if surprised. Father again said, “Andrew who used to steal my communion wine”? Andrew said “what father”. So Father said, “Andrew it seems as if it is difficult for you hearing me. Please, come and take my seat. You ask me the same question if I will hear”.
So they exchange positions and it was Andrew’s turn to ask Father. Then Andrew took a long deep breath and began, “Father, who used to sleep with my wife when I am not there”?. Father said “what”? Andrew said, “no father, don’t be in a hurry. Attentively listen to me. Who used to sleep with my wife when I am not there”? “What Andrew” Father shouted. Andrew again patiently repeated the same question as if teaching a new born how to read by counting the words for Father to hear well. “Father- when –I- am –not- home- who –used- to -sleep –with- my –wife”? Father said, “what”. Then Andrew replied, “Father didn’t I tell you that when someone is standing down there, he does not hear very well the questions that come from up here”? Father got up and told Andrew he has forgiven him for stealing his wine and Andrew told him he has forgiven him for sleeping with the wife.
Folks we sometimes hear well when it is others peccadilloes. However, we know ourselves that we are not better. Hat we are the cause of it. We know that we have skeletons ourselves we are hiding somewhere. Let us learn how to remove the log from our eyes before thinking of taking away the specs from our neighbor’s eyes. Let us learn to assume responsibilities on o