THE
ROBBER AND THE PRIEST

Topics: Conscience; Fasting; Foolishness; Hypocrisy; Integrity; Lent; Resisting Temptation; Vices

References: Proverbs 20:11; Matthew 23:13–36; 1 Corinthians 8:8; Titus 1:16; 1 John 3:18

A priest was coming back to his rectory one evening in the dark when he was accosted by a robber who pulled a gun on him and demanded, “Your money or your life!”

As the priest reached into his coat pocket, the robber saw his Roman collar and said, “I see you’re a priest. Never mind, you can go.”

The priest tried to reciprocate by offering the robber a candy bar that he remembered was in his pocket.

The robber replied, “No thank you, Father. I don’t eat candy during Lent.”

—Harold A. Buetow, Embrace Your Renewal (Alba House, 2004)