A Jesuit and a Franciscan Go to Heaven

Allegory of the Reindeer Riot

   George the Reindeer was perplexed. The exit polls --- the North and South polls --- predicted he would win by a landslide. Yet after spending tons of reindeer dollars on his campaign, Rudolph was still elected to guide Santa's sleigh on Christmas eve.

   Santa went to bed to get enough rest for his midnight run. That's when George decided to take matters into his own hands. He encouraged a protest march. "Don't give up!" George cried, "Block traffic if you have to! We want the rest of the reindeer to know what we think about Rudolph!"

   "But sir," cried one of his henchmen, "what can you expect to accomplish? The elections are over! Who are you even rioting against?" Undettered, George carries through with his plan. One bloody wave follows another. When the dust clears, reindeer from both sides are decimated.

   Santa wakes up from his deep slumber and prepares for his midnight ride but there is no reindeer to be found. The children wake up the next morning to empty stockings.

   May I say, that how we face conflicts mirror our level of maturity. Arguments between spouses can escalate to the point where rules of decency are discarted and the only objective is to hurt the other person. When that happens no one wins. Magnify that a bit. When rulers play the same game nations lose. Its citizens loose.

   Like many of you, I have been troubled by the post election riots. It's OK to express your opinion but stay within the law. This week I have also been helping a couple in the brink of divorce. Different playground yet similar dynamics. Similar culprit --- pride. C'mon we're better than this. TGIF people!

Wisdom from Joji of Antipolo, Philippines

I prefer not to think before speaking. I like being just as surprised as everyone else by what comes out of my mouth.

Catholic Humor: Heavenly Welcome
Contributed by Tom of Pasadena.

You need to understand Catholic culture to get this.

Two priests, one Jesuit and one Franciscan, were killed in a terrible car crash arrived at the "Pearly Gates" and St Peter greeted them.

There was music and a great crowd, all greeting the Jesuit --- there was St Isaac Jogue, St John Brébouf, followed by St Francis Xavier, etc. and finally, St Ignatius Loyola. Then came the Apostles, Angels and, as the music changed, the Blessed Virgin came out, all greeting the Jesuit. Lastly, Jesus himself welcomed the Jesuit into the heavenly kingdom.

The doors closed, it got very quiet and the Franciscan stood there, a little worried and puzzled.

Just then, a small door opened and a Franciscan friar appeared out of a small door in the gate and started to sweep. The Franciscan asked if he had missed something because he was a little puzzled. The old friar said, "No, go on in."

The Franciscan was even more confused and said, "But my friend, the Jesuit, had everyone, the founder and even the Blessed Virgin welcome him. Why is there no fanfare? Am I not welcome?"

"Oh, you are welcome, my son," said the old friar, "we have friars come in all the time, but it's been 327 years since we had a Jesuit."

Conflicting Aging Messages
Contributed by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

The mind says "YES" but ...

the body says "What the heck are you thinking?!"

Videos of the week:

Trampoline Christmas
Contributor: Terry of Santa Monica, CA

A funny, animal-loving video just in time for the holidays. Bravo! Well done!

Nervous Girl Auditions in America's Got Talent
Contributor: Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Anxiety Depression Disorder is a rare psychological malady where a patient is afraid to go out in public. Anna Clendening courageously sought to overcome her fears by joining one of the most stressful contests on television --- "America's Got Talent." You go girl!

Mentalist Lior Suchard in Late Late Show
Contributor: Charlie of New Jersey

Unbelievable! Stupefying! Amazing! Can Lior actually read minds? You decide!