by Joseph Flynn
“Then why am I catching —”
He was going to say hell, but he didn’t think swearing during confession would be a good idea either.
“So much aggravation?” Father Dunphy suggested. “There are usually good alternatives to vulgar language, James. I hope you’ll remember that.”
“Yes, Father.”
“As to the young ladies, your interest in them is perfectly normal. What you have to keep in mind is to frame that interest in respectful ways. If you want a young lady to think well of you, you must first think well of her. No person is ever someone simply to be used for your own purposes or pleasures. Show people the same high regard you’d wish to have them show you.”
“Yes, Father. How was prostration used in ancient times?”
“Sometimes people were made to prostrate themselves before kings and emperors. Failure to do so might result in their heads being cut off. In more benign times like today, candidates for the priesthood prostrate themselves before their bishop during the sacrament of Holy Orders. In that case, prostration is not only a sign of humility but also of giving yourself completely to God. Are you thinking of becoming a priest, James?”
“No, Father. I like girls too much.”
“Then perhaps kneeling is the proper sign of humility for you.”
“Yes, Father. I’m sorry I was thinking of being a jerk.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place. I won’t tell a soul.”
Father D told McGill to say a good Act of Contrition and to kneel and reflect on how he wanted to live his life, what would bring it purpose and meaning, what would give him joy and fulfillment. That was a lot to think about, of course, so he should kneel only as long as it felt comfortable to him.
In the hospital chapel, McGill thought about everything that brought him joy and fulfillment, and for every person, place and thing on his list he gave thanks. He might have stayed there indefinitely if Abbie hadn’t put her hand on his shoulder.
“Dad,” she said.
McGill opened his eyes.
Standing in front of him were Patti and Kenny.
They were holding hands.
Patti smiled at him.
Kenny showed him an upraised thumb.
The story continues in Part 2: The Last Ballot Cast.
About the Author
Joseph Flynn is a Chicagoan, born and raised, currently living in central Illinois with his wife and daughter. He is the author of The Concrete Inquisition, Digger, The Next President, Hot Type, Farewell Performance, Gasoline Texas, The President’s Henchman, The Hangman's Companion, Round Robin, Blood Street Punx, Nailed, One False Step, Still Coming, The K Street Killer, Tall Man in Ray-Bans with more titles on the drawing board.
Contact Joe at Hey Joe and meet other friends of Jim McGill at Friends of Jim McGill
All the novels are available for the Kindle through www.amazon.com.
The Concrete Inquisition
Digger
The Next President
Hot Type
Farewell Performance
Gasoline, Texas
The President’s Henchman, A JimMcGill Novel [#1]
The Hangman’s Companion, A Jim McGill Novel [#2]
The K Street Killer, A Jim McGill Novel [#3]
Part 1: The Last Ballot Cast, A Jim McGill Novel [#4 Part 1]
Part 2: The Last Ballot Cast, A Jim McGill Novel [#4 Part 2]
Round Robin
Nailed
One False Step
Blood Street Punx
Still Coming
Still Coming Expanded Edition
Tall Man in Ray-Bans
You may read free excerpts of Joe’s books by visiting his website at: www.josephflynn.com.