The time has come for St. Peter's annual three-week vacation, and Jesus
volunteers to fill in for him at the Pearly Gates.

"It's no big deal," St. Peter explains. "Sit at the registration desk,
and ask each person a little about his or her life. Then send them on to
housekeeping to pick up their wings."

On the third day, Jesus looks up to see a bewildered old man standing in
front of him.

"I'm a simple carpenter," says the man. "And once I had a son. He was
born in a very special way, and was unlike anyone else in this world. He
went through a great transformation even though he had holes in his hands
and feet. He was taken from me a long time ago, but his spirit lives on
forever. All over the world people tell his story."

By this time, Jesus is standing with his arms outstretched. There are
tears in his eyes, and he embraces the old man.

"Father," he cries out, "It's been so long!"

The old man squints, stares for a moment, and says,












"Pinocchio?"