WORDS DO MATTER
The Jesuit and the Benedictine
A Jesuit priest and a Benedictine monk shared a problem. Both were addicted chain-smokers, and they had to spend large portions of their day praying, all the while craving a smoke.
After talking about their problem, they agreed to discuss it with their respective superiors and report back the following week.
When they met again, the Jesuit asked the Benedictine how the meeting had gone. "Disastrously," he replied. "I asked the Abbot, 'Will you give me permission to smoke while I'm praying?' and he was furious. He gave me fifteen extra penances as a punishment for my irreverence. But you look happy, my brother, what happened to you?"
The Jesuit smiled. "I went to my rector, and asked, 'May I have ...
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