Father O'Coner.

Birds chirped merrily as I walked along the Church's path. A sizeable building, with colored glass, depicting our Lord. I felt Their Holy embrace as I entered, and upon meeting a woman, who said she was the pastor's Secretary, introduced myself. Father O'Coner, as she told me his name was, came to greet me. "Mr. McKay! Welcome my son, I have been told that you'd like to speak with me," he smiled, this man of Virtue, who stood tall, a slight grey at his temples, and only the barest of wrinkles under his eyes, with which he looked through the window. "It is a lovely day today. Why don't we talk out in the garden?" Of course I agreed.

He led me to the corner of his garden, where he had a small table and chairs set up, under a great tree, that he said gave him the best view and shade. Adjusting his vestments, he took his seat and bade me take mine. I did, and he said to me, "How can I ease your Burden, my child?"

"It is more of a Confusion than a Burden, Father," I replied, looking beyond his fence and to the commune beyond. "You are a man of God, are you not?"

"I would certainly hope so!" he chuckled, spreading his arms out wide. "Why else would I be wearing this? In this heat?"

I chuckled as well before letting out a sigh. "Then, as a man of God, do you not feel that the behavior of your flock, with regards to the matter of Carnality, are not appropriate?"

His face turned somber as he gathered his thoughts. I gave him his time, and took in the view of his beautiful garden. It was a thing of beauty to behold. Neatly arranged Flowers, all in their own rows, all in bloom, against well trimmed grass brought a great relief of color to the, by comparison, drab white walls of his Church. His prize display was the Madosin flag, made from his best flowers, in the middle of it.

"No, I do not think so," he replied finally. "I think that my flock might be the most devout followers of God, that you will ever see."

"Adultery? Sodomy? Exhibitionism? ****?" I retorted rather sharply, before remembering who I was speaking to. "Forgive me Father. But how can you say that practices like that are acts of devotion to the Lord?"

He merely smiled at me. "My son, what do you think is the Meaning behind the Lord's words and works?"

"To do Good in this World and reach Heaven in the Here-after?"

He shook his head. "That is incorrect."