John Paul II found himself at the Gates of Heaven, and was greeted by a beaming St. Peter.
“It’s good to see you, Karol! We’ve been waiting for you, and I, myself, would like to thank you.”
John Paul stepped back in some amazement. “What for, Peter? I should be thanking you.”
“I just wanted to thank you, ” Peter replied, “for keeping an eye on the House for me.”
John Paul was struck by this and couldn’t speak for a moment. St. Peter smiled at him lovingly.
“Oh, Karol, ” he continued, “I forgot to mention: I’ll need those shoes back before we go inside.”
“It has been my privilege and blessing to fill them,” John Paul responded as he knelt to remove those well-worn shoes.
Peter received them graciously, then pausing to examine the shoes with a look of joyous surprise.
“Karol, ” St. Peter laughed and shook his head, “it seems you’ve stretched my old shoes out a bit! They’ll be tougher than ever to fill.”
I love you, John Paul the Great.
In pace requiscat, good and faithful servant.