Some years ago, a Catholic priest working in an inner city in New York, was walking down an alley one evening on his way home when a young man came down the alley behind him and poked a knife against his back.

“Give me your money,” the young man said.

The priest opened his jacket and reached into an inner pocket to remove his wallet, exposing his clerical collar.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Father,” said the young man, “I didn’t see your collar. I don’t want your money.”

Trembling from the scare, the priest removed a cigar from his shirt pocket and offered it to the young man.
“Here,” he said. “Have a cigar.”

“Oh, no, I can’t do that,” the young man replied, “I gave them up for Lent.” 

Giving up things for Lent is fine but let’s make sure we give up the right things.

André Paul