The Pope met with his Cardinals to discuss a proposal from Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of Israel. “Your Holiness, said one of his Cardinals, “Mr. Netanyahu wants to challenge you to a game of golf to show the friendship and ecumenical spirit shared by the Jewish and Catholic faiths. The Pope thought this was a good idea, but he had never held a golf club in his hand. “Don’t we have a Cardinal to represent me? he asked. None who plays very well, a Cardinal replied. But there is a man named Phil Mickelson, who is a devout Catholic. We can offer to make him a Cardinal, and then ask him to play Mr. Netanyahu as your personal representative. In addition to showing our spirit of cooperation, we’ll also win the match. Everyone agreed it was a good idea, and the call was made. Mickelson was honored to be made a Cardinal and agreed to play. The day after the match, Cardinal Mickelson reported to the Vatican to inform the Pope of the result. I have some good news and some bad news, your Holiness, said Mickelson. “Tell me the good news first, said the Pope. “Well, your Holiness, I don’t like to brag, but even though I’ve played some pretty terrific rounds of golf in my life, this was the best I have ever played, by far. I must have been inspired from above. My drives were long and true, my irons were accurate and purposeful and my putting was perfect. With all due respect, my play was truly miraculous. And what’s the bad news? the Pope asked. Mickelson sighed. I lost to Rabbi Tiger Woods by three strokes.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 22:54:47 +0000