Poem:

Have you heard about this story of

a rabbi and a Christian priest,

differing in their separate ways,

but friends to say the least?

One day, the rabbi asked the priest

in total confidence,

“Can you put up with any man

that airs his impudence,

when he confesses that he needs

no sermon nor advice

from those like us whom he believes

to be not worldly-wise?”

The priest thought for a moment,

then answered with some ease:

“A man that frankly speaks his mind

is finally at peace,

not only with himself but God,

confession being the bridge

across which he may reach the top

of his salvation’s ridge.”

The rabbi shook his head and said:

“There’s no way, of course,

confession without penitence

can be the bridge to cross.”

“But,” said the priest, “consider this,

by God’s eternal grace,

we choose two different routes, yet get

together in one place.”