At The Pearly Gates

When St. Peter went on vacation Archangel Gabriel took over the charge of the guest list. Those souls who came in would knock at the Pearly gates. Some were admitted and some were turned back. Satan watched it with interest.
Later he struck up conversation with the keeper of the gate and asked if he knew exactly the House rules. Gabriel said in between his tasks that he played by the ear. One who came in rags was turned off. “ That was Lazarus and he wants to be in because he was poor all his life.”
“Oh the one whose sores were licked by the dogs?” Satan knew his Bible and he gave a short laugh. “ What was your excuse for turning him down?” The archangel replied that he ought to be treated for his physical condition. “So I sent him down to be cured of his diseased body.”
Then came John the Baptist carrying his head and to Satan’ s amazement Gabriel let him in.
“Why him?”
Archangel Gabriel replied,” I asked, ‘So you want to be let in because you lost your head while in service?’ ”
“ He said, yes?”
“ No, he just wanted to know why?” Gabriel replied with a chuckle. “ How can I refuse one who seeks answers?”
benny
(Selected from Fablescape )