Layman: Father, I have been a true believer. But I cannot accept the holy teaching that those who repent at the last moment also will be saved.
Clergy: Dear son, this is the law of God.
Layman: I have lived a sinless and perfect life. But is it fair if my neighbour, who lived a life of sin, repents at the last moment and is forgiven without any punishment?
Clergy: Son, don't question the ways of God. God will do only what is just. Your duty is to believe and live a pious life.
Layman: I can't accept this teaching. A man who has been condemning God all through his life is saved at the last moment!
Clergy: Yes, this is the greatness of repentance. That is why I always ask my folks to repent. My folks don't understand the importance of repentance. But the Karnataka Chief Minister and his colleagues know it. That is why they have released Cauvery waters to the neighbour, Tamil Nadu, on the eve of the doomsday; I mean, on the eve of the Supreme Court pronouncing its verdict on the contempt of court cases against it.
Layman: Okay, father. I have a simple question: Who is my neighbour?
Clergy: One who helps you in your need. Why? Don't you know the parable of the Good Samaritan?
Layman: I know; that is why I asked this question. Can a true clergy like you say Karnataka is Tamil Nadu's neighbour? Karnataka denied waters to Tamil Nadu when the latter was thirsty. Now there is enough rain in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is releasing water! How can you say Karnataka should go scot-free after having failed to release water in the proper time, failing to obey the orders of the Supreme Court and the Cauvery River Authority and thus committing contempt of court?
Clergy: Haven't you heard the parable of the prodigal son? The prodigal son repented and came back to the father. And the father accepted him with great merriment. That is what 'the prodigal' Karnataka did. Let us accept it.
Layman: Amen.
