In nomine patris et filii et spiritus sancti.
Amen.
Dominus vobiscum.
Et cum spiritu tuo.
And the priest welcomed the congregation into the Lenting season with the holy mass. Being a very dedicated christian, Mark was seated at the front row of the chapel. He was this type of person that centered his entire life on God, he wouldn't do anything without considering what God would think about his actions. Most people called him saint Mark.
It was the first day of lent, according to their religion, they were forbidden to eat meat on the first day of lent. This was also mentioned in the sermon as a reminder. After the mass, Mark went home to his wife and children.
'Mark, here's your breakfast.' says his wife, placing a dish on the table in front of Mark.
He was about to devour the food, he stopped half way and said.
"What the hell is this?"
"Mark what is wrong?" His wife asked in confusion.
"Why did you serve me a food cooked with meat. This is the first day of lent, I can't eat such food."
"I'm so sorry, I had no idea."
"This is what happens when you don't attend church." Mark said angrily and stormed out of the house.
As he drove towards a restaurant to purchase a light meal, his phone rang. At first he thought it was his wife trying to apologize, he ignored the call. The call came in again, he looked at his phone and it happened to be his colleague at work inviting him over to his house. He reversed his car and headed to Ken's house.
"The Saint Mark. Howdy mate. How's it going." Ken said to Mark as he welcomed him into his house.
They sat in the sitting room watching football, after a while Ken revealed why he actually invited him over.
"Mark, we are in luck today I tell you."
"How so buddy?"
"Remember Mr Bloom, right"
"The man we asked for financial aide some years back?"
"Exactly. He called me earlier this morning and told me that he has finally considered our offer."
"Woah! This is great news. When do we go to redeem the offer?"
"Right away, but I've got to eat. My wife is still cooking."
"Man, what magic is she conjuring in there, tantalizing aroma has been coming from the kitchen since I arrived."
"Haha! You know I got an expert cook for a wife. Actually I think she is making macaroni and some salad. Hope you will join us."
"Yeah sure, been a while I've had those. Besides I haven't taken breakfast."
Few minutes later, the meal was served and they went over to the dinning. Mark was salivating already, unfortunately his bubbles were burst when he finally opened the dish in front of him. Ken's wife garnished the food with beef chopped in tiny pieces.
"Ken, this meal is amazing, your wife is indeed a great cook. Unfortunately I can't eat this."
"Are you kidding me. You were all over the food couple minutes ago. Do you have any allergies I don't know of?" Asked Ken.
"Not allergies really. It's just... We are in Lent and all that."
"Oh C'mon Mark. Don't tell me you still practice those religious superstitions."
"They are not superstitions."
"I'm sorry saint Mark."
Mark remained hungry, there was no time to prepare something else for him, as they had to meet up with Mr Bloom. They both got into Mark's car and drove off.
Mr Bloom's house was a huge one, with a large compound as well. He was having a house party and the turn up was overwhelming. Mark was feeling a bit underdressed, all he wanted was to grab breakfast and head back home. It wasn't easy to access Mr Bloom as they were several people trooping in to see him in his inner chambers. They sat down at a corner waiting for a chance to get Mr Bloom's attention. They were served drinks, Kent helped himself, but Mark couldn't drink on an empty stomach.
Couple hours passed and the guards finally told them that they could go in, along side several other people. As the conversation went on, Mark realized that everybody in the inner chambers at that time came to redeem the grant as well. Pleasantries were exchanged, Mr Bloom spoke for a while. He was a type of person that liked to hear himself speak. After his speech, he gave orders that they all be fed. Mr Bloom was obviously a wealthy man, each plate had a large portion of chicken on it. Everybody was served, but when it got to Mark's turn, he declined the food.
"Oh, I didn't know you are vegetarian." Mr Bloom asked when he noticed what was going on.
"Actually I'm not. I just can't eat this." Mark replied.
Mr Bloom got up from his seat and walked towards Mark.
"It is a bit insulting to reject my food. Is it below your standards, or do you think I would poison you?"
"Not at all. It's not that at all."
"I don't know what your reasons are, but I can't give out my money to someone that rejects my food."
Ken who have been silent all along whispered to Mark.
"Buddy what are you doing? Don't go all Saint Mark on me right now. You are going to blow your chance with your Religous nonsense."*
Mark ignored Ken and replied Mr Bloom.
"I'm sorry sir. I don't mean to disrespect you, I just can't eat the food."*
Mark got up and walked out of the house.
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