The first confession
A local priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 25 years in the parish. A leading politician and member of the congregation was chosen to give a speech at dinner. However, he was delayed so the priest decided to say his own few words while they waited:
"I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it. He had also stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an affair with his best friend's wife, and taken illicit drugs. I was appalled. But as the days went on I learned my people were not all like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish, full of good and loving people."
Just as the priest finished, the politician arrived full of apologies for being late. He immediately began to make the speech and said: "I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived. In fact, I had the honor of being the first person to go to him for confession." Moral: Never, NEVER-EVER be late!
