Reflections: I'll Go if the Whiskey's Good

Sunday, February 11, 2018

(Originally posted April 8, 2013)

The Jesuit order has always had its own way of looking at things. The new Pope Francis is a Jesuit; and he certainly confirms that his order sees things just a bit differently.

Catholic men, especially older ones, go on retreats. There is a retreat center operated by the Jesuits south of St. Louis named the White House.

Many years ago a group of Catholic men from New Madrid made a retreat to the White House. The group included Fred St. Mary.

Hawk, as he was known locally, was quite a rounder. He had an inheritance he lived off of all of his life.

He had a number of interests, none of which involved any sort or work. Horse racing was one of his passions.

One Sunday after church let out, he ran into a younger friend. He knew the friend kept a few horses.

"Are you interested in horse racing?" he asked. The friends agreed that he was. "Well, get in," said Hawk gesturing to his car.

The friend climbed in, thinking there were going to lunch and discuss horse racing.

Instead Hawk told his driver, "Let's go over to the races in Illinois." And off they went. The friend recounted that he didn't get home until late that evening, and, unlike Hawk, he had to work the next day.

But, back to the White House retreat.

As is customary at such a retreat, Hawk sat down with a priest to talk about his concerns and the salvation of his soul.

Hawk told the good father that he wasn't really interested in going to heaven.

"Why's that," responded the priest.

"Well, Father, I just can't see myself sitting around on some cloud all day playing a harp. That just doesn't appeal to me at all, and, if that what's going to heaven is all about, I'm not interested.

The priest responded, "Well, Mr. St. Mary, what does interest you."

"Well, Father, I've gotten a little too old for women, but I still like to drink good whiskey and go to the horse races."

The Jesuit thought for a few minutes. One can imagine the priest's dilemma; his business was saving souls, not let them march in the other direction as freely as Hawk seemed so willing to do.

After a long pause, the priest responded, "Mr. St. Mary, heaven is a personal thing. For some people it might just be sitting around on a cloud playing the harp, but for you it will be horse racing and good whiskey."

Hawk thought about that for a moment then announced,

"Well, Father, in that case, I'd be willing to go."

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