Preaching To a Bear

A Priest, A Rabbi, and A Minister Walk Into A Bar ...

On this particular afternoon, one of them made the comment that preaching to people isn't really all that hard ... but a REAL challenge would be to preach to a bear.

One thing led to another and they decided to do an experiment. They would all go out into the woods, find a bear, preach to it, and attempt to convert it. Seven days later, they would get together to discuss the experience.

Father Flannery, who has his arm in a sling, is on crutches, and has various bandages, goes first. "Well," he says, "I went into the woods to find a bear. And when I found him I began to read to him from the Catechism. Well, that bear wanted nothing to do with me and began to slap me around. So I quickly grabbed my holy water, sprinkled him and he became as gentle a lamb. The bishop is coming out next week to give him first communion and confirmation."

Reverend John spoke next. He was in a wheelchair, with an arm and both legs in casts, and an IV drip. In his best fire and brimstone oratory he claimed, "I went out and found a bear. And then I began to read to my bear from the Bible. But that bear wanted nothing to do with me. So I grabbed him and we began to wrestle. We wrestled down one hill, up another and down another until we came to a creek. So I quickly DUNKED and BAPTIZED the bear! And just like the Father said, he became as gentle as a lamb."

They both looked down at the Rabbi, who was lying in a hospital bed. He was in a body cast and traction with IV's and monitors running in and out of him. He was in VERY bad shape. 
After a few minutes of silent reflection, the rabbi said, "Looking back on it, circumcision may not have been the best way to start."