Hooked by Crook

Transcript

End of recording, would you like to listen again? Return to saved messages. Would you like to.

.. Hello. Thank you, again, for making time to see me today.

I realize my calls last week must have seemed strange coming out of the blue like that. No, really, the time is fine. Well, actually, I moved to town about a year ago.

The Jessops Old House, yes. I own the bookstore down at the center square. Ah, well, thank you, that's very kind.

I'll be thirty in the spring. Oh, well, you know how these things are. Grateful college kids and a sweet old landlady keep me in business.

Right, well, um, I guess you might say I've been a little lost recently. Just sort of detached from myself and the world around me. I'm not eating or sleeping well.

It's becoming a bit too much, honestly. I do see a therapist, but, well, last month I was discussing some of my concerns with Mrs. Jessop.

She seemed to really understand me, you know, about having trouble sleeping and feeling like something is missing. She's the one who told me you might be able to help my struggle with discipline. Yes, sir, discipline.

May I call you father? Thank you. Yes, um, father, I've sought a guiding hand before, but none have had quite the vigor or constitution for such an endeavor.

As I understand it, you're a firm but forgiving man. Your parishioners seem to find great security in your strength and resolve. Oh, father, I'd, um, I'd like to experience your leadership for myself.

Yes, yes, I think I'm ready to, um, confess. Bless me, father, for I have sinned. I have never confessed my sins before God, though they are many and severe.

I find myself overwhelmed, father, by the weight of my secrets, and it's my hope to confess to you and, in so doing, cleanse my soul. By your attentions and the mercy of God, may I be delivered from the treachery of my heart and the folly of my human soul. Oh, all of them.

All of them, father. I've fallen to every one of those sins. I feel that perhaps what I need is to be brought back into line, into obedience and servitude befitting a divine creation.

In return, father? Hmm. Hmm.

In return. Father, I ask that in return for my obedience and my servitude, yoked by you and to you, I ask only that you hold me as sacred, father. That I always be aware of the devotion in your deliverance.

Yes, father, I will kneel before you and I will confess each and every one of my transgressions exactly as you ask of me. Bless me, father, for I have sinned. This is my first confession.

Blessed am I, the sinner who seeks your boundless mercy and redemption with open eyes and a reverent heart. Amen. Amen.