"The concept of heaven and hell shouldn't be anything as trivial as to whether you ought to skip desert and try leading a healthy life or indulge in the tasty treat.'' The bald man took a pause. The congregation was still. Except for the fussing baby somewhere in the crowd, one was certain to catch the drop of a pin anywhere in the church. Father Bernard reached for a bottle of water below the podium stand as he contemplated his next words.

A few meters before him sat a congregation of about five hundred believers, some with notepads, some with nothing but their digital gadgets. He always despised the latter. Never could tell if they were listening and taking notes or tapping away on tumblr or whatever social media app was on the rise. Have mercy on them, Lord. He caught the eye of an old lady. A tender smile was planted on her shriveled lips. She was one of the people he considered worthy of His grace.

"You're either a sinner or a keeper of the good Lord's word.'' Father Bernard took another dramatic pause for the murmurs that rose in agreement to fade. ''Cos heaven knows you can't be both.'' His hand smacked the side of the wood in front of him. "You cannot be an agent of darkness and serve God almighty brethren. You have to pick one.''

Heaven knows he himself was trying. He was constantly tested on his ability to serve God without a single question. Today wasn't any different. As he stood by the altar, he witnessed great evil rise from amidst the crowd inform of thick, green smoke. It was putrefying, he could almost smell it. The burning incense at the altar steps did no good.

He watched as it gradually wafted above their heads and like the evil spirit it was, seeking shelter among those weak in their faith. It wasn't like anything he ever dealt with before. This was why he did it. Why he took a personal responsibility to make sure that his congregation remained pure and perfect, just as He had intended, by weeding out the evil.
 
 
Father Bernard whispered a silent prayer to his deity and went on with his sermon, grateful that God had chosen him as one of his soldiers. He would need to put his house in order. It was of the essence that he did so, and fast.

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