Sunday Mass was over and everyone had left. Father Ignatius was clearing up in the Sacristy when Arthur, a young Altar Boy, came in sheepishly.
“Are you still here?” asked the priest.
“Yes Father … can I ask you something please?” replied the young teenager.
“Fire away …” encouraged the priest as he sat down.
“I think I committed a sin yesterday … and I took Communion today.”
“You think … are you not sure? What did you do?” asked Father Ignatius gently.
“I was at the Karate Club yesterday. I go every Saturday. During break some of the boys were talking about Jesus and they were mocking and laughing. They were telling jokes about Him and saying bad things!”
“I see … and what did you do?”
“That’s it …” hesitated the young lad, “I did nothing. I didn’t want to tell them about Jesus in case they laughed at me. I just kept quiet and smiled.”
“I understand …” said Father Ignatius pausing slightly, “have you told Peter about this?”
“Peter Marsden?”
“No … not Peter Marsden! Who is he anyway?” asked the priest frowning a little.
“He is our Karate Instructor … we call him Sensei …” replied young Arthur.
Father Ignatius smiled.
“I meant St Peter …” he continued, “you know him? We have a large statue of him at the back of the church.”
The boy nodded.
“What do you know about him?”
“He was a disciple of Jesus,” said Arthur.
“That’s right … and like you he was a little hesitant when asked about Jesus. When Jesus was arrested Peter denied knowing Him three times. And then the cock crew and reminded Peter of what Jesus had said … do you know the story?” asked Father Ignatius.
Arthur nodded again.
“The important thing to remember Arthur,” continued Father Ignatius gently, “is that Peter was sorry at what he had done; and Jesus forgave him. And Peter went on to become head of the Church.
“I quite understand that you felt a little intimidated yesterday. Jesus understands it too, and He forgives you just as He forgave Peter.
“But remember this Arthur … as you grow up there will be other occasions when you’ll be faced with the same situation. People will mock Jesus, God or your religion. This is the way of the world I’m afraid. Jesus has many enemies in this world, despite all He has done for us.
“It’s at those times when I pray and hope that you’ll have the courage to stand up for Jesus and for your beliefs.
“What happened yesterday is understandable in the life of someone so young as yourself.
“The sad tragedy Arthur is that grown-ups often deny knowing and loving Jesus for fear of what others might say. In a free society as we enjoy these days, compared to the times of Peter, grown-ups still shy away from knowing and loving the Lord. They keep their heads down in embarrassment.”
Father Ignatius looked at the child in the eye and asked.
“You’re learning Karate you say?”
Arthur nodded.
“Good …” said the priest, “that’s a defensive martial art. Isn’t it?
“You should remember always to defend the Lord, Arthur. Not with your fighting skills, but with your wisdom, your pure soul and by the way you live.
“The Good Lord will help you to know what to say and when to say it.
“You’re the Karate Altar Boy … defending the Lord with your soul!”
Arthur smiled broadly.
“Now you’d better hurry home before your parents start worrying about you.”
As the young boy turned to leave Father Ignatius added, “and don’t forget to pray for me … I need prayers too you know!”
