Linda bowed her head in prayer with the rest of the congregation, but her thoughts were on the mysterious "Mr.G" who she was supposed to be escorting today.
Following her instructions to the letter she sat on the front pew of the St. Augustine Catholic Church for the 4 pm Mass, which was the last one of the day. The church was huge, very rich and ornate, giving you the feeling that God dwelled within the space. It was filled with sculpture, artwork and stained glass. The organ music was heavy with beauty and power, stirring the soul. The sculpture of Jesus behind the altar reminded her of the William Bouguereau paintings she had seen at the Essex Art Museum last Sunday with Uncle Walt. It was The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ - in the painting he was chained to a column and being whipped, punished for the sins of the world.
He watched her as she bowed her head for the closing benedictions. The girl was like an angel dressed in white. She was wearing a modest feminine dress, satin with lace around the collar and around her neck, a golden chain with a crucifix. White stockings, high heels and simple makeup gave her an aura of innocence and purity.
It gave him a strong feeling of lust and a desire to possess her beauty, but he knew it was wrong. He felt like Adam being tempted by Eve and the devil.
After the service she remained seated as the church emptied out and then went to the altar railing to kneel to pray for awhile. She was feeling tender and remorseful about the way she was living. She did not believe in premarital sex but had given herself in sin to Paul and to Walt. Rising Linda went to the confessional as she had been instructed.
A quick visit on the internet had coached her on the procedure since Linda was a Protestant and did not know the ritual. She had learned that in order to receive forgiveness for sins we must examine our conscience, have sorrow for our sins and must make a firm resolution never more to offend God. We must confess our sins to the priest and finally we must accept the penance which the priest gives us. Perhaps there is a reason for the expression 'confession is good for the soul' she thought as she decided to give a truthful confession.
Closing the door, Linda knelt bowing her head and waiting expectantly on the kneeler. In a few minutes the small window slid opened and it was time.
"Father forgive me for I have sinned," she confessed, "I have had carnal knowledge of a man."
"That is a mortal sin my daughter, the sin of lust and fornication. This is not the way God created you to use your sexuality. Do you have any other sins to confess." the Father asked.
"I accepted a gift of jewelry and money from him" she confessed.
"That would be the sin of greed," he acknowledged "these are mortal sins; I must offer you a serious act of penance."
"You are a spoiled young woman, almost a child. You are familiar with the proverb of sparing the rod and spoiling the child" he questioned?
"Yes of course Father," she replied guardedly.
"I will provide you a punishment as penance for your sins," he offered.
"Yes Father, I will do as you instruct. I truly repent and want to do penance for my sins," Linda acknowledged.