The Devil In Cassock: Forgive Me Father For You're My Temptation

A Man Worth A Sin

The congregation is going wild around him, screaming all kinds of praise words. But the man's face remains stolid.

Seriously? He isn't going to acknowledge this show of love even with a polite smile? How can a servant of God be so confidently cold?!

The altar servants stand by either side as he walks to the altar without bowing to it like everyone else. He stands behind the piece of furniture and puts his hands on either side.

The crowd is still on their feet, waving, clapping. His face remains impassive as he regards the wild crowd. He is getting impatient as his fingers starts tapping the sides of the pulpit. He waits long enough for the hall to regain it's tranquility, in simpler words, he waits until everyone tires of jumping and waving.

"Dearly beloved, today we shall reflect on the profound wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs 31:8-9. The Lord commands; “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy," he says in the most mesmerizing of voices. His voice grows more intense as he leans forward and continues. "It is our sacred duty to be the voice for the voiceless, to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. In a world that often turns a blind eye to injustices, where power silences the weak and those who wield it do so without fear of consequence, we are called to take action. While Speaking up is not merely an act of kindness; it is a call to action. Which obviously requires a lot of courage and sometimes . . . hard sacrifice."

His gaze studies the congregation as if reading everyone's thoughts. Then suddenly, our eyes lock. Time seems to go slower as my heartbeat picks up speed. It feels like he can see my mountain of secrets and my inappropriate thoughts. For a brief moment he looks amused.

We may have gazed at each a bit too long as the eyes of those close to me shift to stare in my direction. That is the disappointing moment he chooses to tear his eyes away, betraying the connection already had me enamoured.

"He has never looked at anyone like that before," Freya leans in and whispers.

Should I feel flattered? Who knows why he looked.

I watch his muscular fists clench momentarily as he carries on with the sermon.

"I stand before you today not just as your priest but also as a servant of justice. Sometimes one must step into the shadows to fix all that is broken, because executing justice is not a choice but an obligation that makes indifference wickedness."

The congregation shifts uneasily as he continues.

"Ask yourself, what does the wicked have to fear if all of us are cowering in the fragile safety of our homes? Whose vengeance are they to fear if we are all afraid of standing on the way of their wickedness. It is our duty to judge fairly and protect the rights of the most vulnerable. This may mean risking both our safety and our reputation. But remember, true faith does not flourish in comfort, it thrives in sacrifice."

His voice softens as he raises a hand and looks out again at his congregation

"Shall we pray," he finally says. The crowd rises "In our pursuit of justice for others, may we find redemption for ourselves. May God bless each one of you as you go forth today, may you be brave enough to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. May we find the strength we need to become instruments of God's justice. Let us not forget that every act of kindness echoes through eternity. Amen."

He steps back as the congregation disbands and those eligible for the sacramental meal line up while the choir sings. I watch the gorgeous priest a bit longer even as aunt Katniss prepares to leave.

"Can we wait outside to that our priest for the uplifting sermon?" Freya asks.

"You're not going anywhere near him in that disgraceful outfit," her mother firmly states. I nod in agreement with her decision before her stern gaze shifts to me.

"I understand that you are new to the sacred culture of church. But I expect you to understand that it is absolutely wrong to stare at a servant of God no matter how goodlooking he is," she says.

Wasn't he the one that stared first? I am sure that is not the best defence but she should at least be fair in her judgement.

We follow her out of the church. I notice several eyes shifting to stare in my direction as we get back to the car. Is that all because their handsome priest looked at me? I am starting to think that nothing dramatic happens in this city.

We find two police cars parked outside the house as aunt Katniss pull up on the driveway. Two men in uniform and a woman in grey suit are seated on the porch seat.

Did they finally find my mother? What else could they be here for?

"That's the detective that was investigating your mother's disappearance," aunt Katniss informs while hurriedly opening her door.

I open the one by my side and step out. "Do you think they found something?" I ask.

"Of course. Let's go find out what it is," she answers.

Both the detective and the officers have somber expressions. I worry that they do not bear great news. I didn't expect my mother to be with them, but their sad faces do not inspire hope.

"Good afternoon detective," aunt Katniss greets. "We are happy to finally have you here again. I hope you have good news for this family."

The detective hesitates for a long moment. "Miss Katniss . . . we have news. Do you mind letting us in so we can speak with some privacy?" she asks.

My hands are already shaking. She doesn't sound proud of the news she has.

"Come with us inside. We all could use some privacy since everyone is quite anxious, especially my niece who misses her mother," aunt Katniss replies.

The detective gazes at me with baffled eyes before looking back at my aunt. "Your sister had a daughter?"

"Yes. Riley has not visited this city in a long time so most people wouldn't know her," Katniss answers.

The detective nods, looking even more worried. "Riley . . . it's nice to meet you. You should know that we are here for you no matter what happens," she says.

Every word she utters makes me more uncomfortable. I couldn't help noticing that she just spoke of my mom in past tense.

"Let's go inside," aunt Katniss opens the door and we all settle in her small living room. Aunt Katniss sits by my side while Freya settles far away and pulls out her phone.

The detective reaches out across the table and takes my hand.

"Riley . . . the police just found your mother's body. It appears that someone stabbed her in the heart and hide her body in an old, abandoned building south of the city," she says.

"Wha . . .t?!" my voice comes out as a whisper. Panic overwhelm all other emotion and I find it hard to breathe.

I would prefer my own death than hearing these news. I really hope I am dreaming. I might wake up and realise that the only person I loved in this entire world isn't gone.

If this is real then I have nothing else to live for. My heart just crambled into a million unfixable pieces, same as the life I knew. It's nothing without my mother.

"So they found her in the old church? Isn't that where powerful mafia dump their victims for the police to find?" Freya questions.

"We are not sure it's the work of the Mafia yet," the detective answers.

Her voice sounds distant. My senses are shutting off! My head is spinning and I cannot see clearly no more.