Subject: Fwd: Fw: The Long Kept Secret > > > > > > > > > > > >> >> >>Every time a new Pope is elected, there are many rituals to be followed, in >>accordance with tradition. But there's one ritual that very few people know >>about. >> >>Shortly after the new Pope is enthroned, the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem seeks >>an >>audience with him. >> >>He is shown into the Pope's presence, whereupon he presents him with a silver >>tray bearing a velvet cushion. On top of the cushion is an ancient, >>shrivelled >>parchment envelope. >> >>The Pope symbolically stretches out his arm in a gesture of rejection. >> >>The Chief Rabbi then retires, taking the envelope with him, and does not >>return >>until the next Pope is elected. >> >>Pope Bendict was intrigued by this ritual, the origin of which was unknown to >>him. He instructed the best scholars of the Vatican to research it, but they >>couldn't came up with anything. So when the time came and the Chief Rabbi was >>shown into his presence, he faithfully enacted the ritual rejection. >> >>But then, as the Chief Rabbi turned to leave, he beckoned to him. "My >>brother," >>he whispered, "I must confess that we Catholics are ignorant of the meaning >>of >>this ritual enacted for centuries between us and the Jewish people. I have to >>ask you, what is it all about?" >> >>The Chief Rabbi scratched his head and replied, "Frankly, Your Holiness, I >>have >>no idea either. The origin of this ritual is lost to us, too." >> >>The Pope thought for a bit and said, "My brother, let us retire to my chamber >>and enjoy a glass of wine together. Then, with your agreement, we shall open >>the >>envelope and discover, at last, the secret." >> >>The Chief Rabbi agreed. >> >>So, after a leisurely glass of wine, they reverently picked up the curling >>parchment envelope and opened it with fingers trembling with anticipation. >> >>The Chief Rabbi reached inside, took out a sheet of ancient parchment, and >>carefully unfolded it. He looked at it, and then handed it to the Pope. >> >>It was the bill for the Last Supper. >> >> >> >> >> > > > > > > >
