Lars

Lars, a Norwegian from Cook County in northern Minnesota, was an older, single gentleman who was born and raised a Lutheran.  Each Friday night after work, he would fire up his grill and cook a venison steak.  Now, all of Lars’ neighbors were Catholic.  Since it was Lent, they were forbidden from eating meat on Fridays.  The delicious aroma from the grilled venison steaks was causing such a problem for the Catholic faithful that they finally talked to the priest.

The priest came to visit Lars and suggested that Lars convert to Catholicism.  After several classes and much study, Lars attended Mass.  As the priest sprinkled holy water over Lars, he said, “You were born a Lutheran and raised a Lutheran, but now you are a Catholic.”  Lars’ neighbors were greatly relieved, until Friday night arrived and the wonderful aroma of grilled venison filled the neighborhood.

The priest was called immediately by the neighbors.  As he rushed into Lars’ yard, clutching a rosary and preparing to scold Lars, he stopped in amazement and watched.  There stood Lars, holding a small bottle of water, which he carefully sprinkled over the grilling meat and chanted, “You were born a deer and raised a deer, but now you are a walleye.”