a teachable moment

"Hands up whover goes to church every Sunday."

Only a few children put up their hands.

My eight year old nephew John did not put up his hand.

Afterwards he told his mother about the teacher's question and about how he'd kept his hand down.

"Why didn't you put up your hand?" wondered his mother in mildly consternated bemusement.

"Because we missed Mass a while ago," said the nephew.

"But John I've taken you to Mass every week since you were born except for once last month when you had a football match," exclaimed his mother.

"Teacher asked us to put up our hands if we go ever Sunday," insisted John quietly.