iamlucky13
08-27-04, 12:31 AM
A few years back, seeking to strengthen the relationship between Jews and Christians, then-Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, called Pope John Paul II to challenge him to a friendly game of golf. The pope had only ever played a few games, but he felt obligated to accept the invitation and the positive publicity it would bring for both faiths. However, in order to avoid embarrassing the Church due to his inexperience in the sport, he asked if he could have a bishop play in his stead, to which Netanyahu readily agreed, noting that the faithful of both religions might find the match more interesting if a experienced bishop squared off against a talented Rabbi.
As the match approached, the Pope and the Cardinals were in a panic. They had found a few bishops with a keen interest in the sport, but none good enough to guarantee a victory. Only a few days before the event, a clever monseigneur came up with an idea that would surely save them. The Pope and College of Cardinals unanimously agreed, and in 24 hours, Arnold Palmer had been baptized, confirmed, and made a bishop.
After the tournement, the Pope anxiously awaited Bishop Palmer's return.
"How did it go?" he asked anxiously as the former pro stepped off the plane.
"Well, I've good new and bad news," he said. "The good news is I played the best game of my life. I know God was with me as my drives were straight, my putts broke perfectly every time, and my caddy always knew which club to use."
"That's great!" shouted the Pope. "So we won?"
"That's the bad news. In the end, I wound up losing to Rabbi Tiger Woods."
As the match approached, the Pope and the Cardinals were in a panic. They had found a few bishops with a keen interest in the sport, but none good enough to guarantee a victory. Only a few days before the event, a clever monseigneur came up with an idea that would surely save them. The Pope and College of Cardinals unanimously agreed, and in 24 hours, Arnold Palmer had been baptized, confirmed, and made a bishop.
After the tournement, the Pope anxiously awaited Bishop Palmer's return.
"How did it go?" he asked anxiously as the former pro stepped off the plane.
"Well, I've good new and bad news," he said. "The good news is I played the best game of my life. I know God was with me as my drives were straight, my putts broke perfectly every time, and my caddy always knew which club to use."
"That's great!" shouted the Pope. "So we won?"
"That's the bad news. In the end, I wound up losing to Rabbi Tiger Woods."