Ecumenical Golf

Shortly after the Pope had apologized to the Jewish People for the
treatment of Jews by the Catholic Church over the years, Ariel
Sharon, the Prime Minister of Israel, sent a proposal to the College
of Cardinals  for a  friendly game of golf to be played between the
two leaders or their representatives to demonstrate the friendship and ecumenical spirit
shared by the Catholics and the Jews.

The Pope then met with his College of Cardinals to discuss the
proposal. "Your Holiness," said one of the Cardinals, "Mr. Sharon wants to
challenge you to a game of golf to show that you are old and unable
to compete. I am afraid that this would tarnish our image in the
world." The Pope thought about this and since he had never held a golf club
in his life asked, "Don't we have a Cardinal to represent me?"

None who plays golf very well," a Cardinal replied. "But," he added, "there is a man
named Jack Nicklaus, an American golfer, who is a devout Catholic. 
We can offer to make him a Cardinal, and then ask him to play Mr. Sharon as your
personal representative. In addition to showing our spirit Of co-operation,
we will also win the match.

Everyone agreed that this was a great idea. The call was made.  Of course,
Nicklaus was  honored and he agreed to play as a representative of the Pope.
The day after the match, Nicklaus reported to the Vatican to inform
the Pope of the result. I have some good news and some bad news,
Your Holiness," said the golfer.

"Tell me the good news, Cardinal Nicklaus," said the Pope. "Well,
Your Holiness, I don't like to brag, but even though I have 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."

"How can there be bad news?" the Pope asked.

Nicklaus sighed, "I lost to Rabbi Tiger Woods by three strokes.