**OT** A cleaner Joke
The Pope met with his cardinals to discuss a proposal from Benjamin
Netanyahu, the leader of Israel. "Your Holiness," said one of the
cardinals, "Mr. Netanyahu wants to challenge you to a game of golf to show
the friendship and ecumenical spirit shared by the Jewish and Catholic
faiths."
The Pope thought it was a good idea, but he had never held a golf club in
his life. "Have we not," he asked, "a cardinal who can represent me
against the leader of Israel?"
"None that plays golf very well," a cardinal said. "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, then ask him to play Benjamin
Netanyahu as your personal representative. In addition to showing our
spirit of cooperation, we'll also win the match." Everyone agreed it was a
great idea. The call was made and, of course, Nicklaus was honored and
agreed to play.
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 first, Cardinal Nicklaus," said the Pope.
"Well, Your Holiness, I don't like to brag, but even though I've 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."
"There's bad news?" the Pope asked.
"Yes," Nicklaus sighed. "I lost to Rabbi Tiger Woods by three strokes."
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