Last Sunday, the bishop visited our parish (in Spain it is customary for the bishop to visit once every 8 years) – the only English speaking one in Madrid.

After mass, he spent about 30 minutes with the children to answer questions. We have around 125 children or so who receive religious education after mass. I teach 15 kids between the ages of 10 and 12 (though most are 11). One of my kids asked: “Is it hard to go to Hell?”

After a period of awkward silence, the bishop proceeded to answer the question. I have no idea what he said because I don’t speak Spanish (although, I do know enough to understand the question). Originally, she was angling to ask “Where is heaven?”, but I must have talked her out of it (by explaining Heaven is not located in space and time).

I have to say that I think this is an awesome question and will answer this Sunday in class. I think it is a question that is best answered with another question: “Is it hard to get lost?”