Louie buys a parrot, and he names him Max. He brings Max back to his house and puts the bird and his cage in the corner of his living room.

Right away, Louie notices something unusual. The parrot has its two wings clasped, and it is reciting Bible quotes and singing hymns.

Louie is astounded. "How did you learn to pray like that?"

"My former owner was a priest, and he taught me everything he knew," Max said.

"Wow! You're a very special bird. My friends won't believe it!"

The following Sunday. Louie brings Max to church with him.

"You won't believe this," Louie tells his buddies, "my bird can recite Bible quotes and sing all the hymns in the service!"

There was a clamoring among his friends. "No way!" one guy exclaimed.

"You don't believe me?!!" Louie replied. "Wananna bet?"

Even on this holy Sabbath day, there was a frenzy of wagering on whether or not Max, the parrot, could pray.

It was time for Max to show what he could do. "Go ahead," said Louie to his talented pet, "start praying!"

Not a single word came out of Max's beak. 

The parrot was silent.

Louie was humiliated and had to pay hundreds of dollars to the winners of this 'sure thing' bet.

When the two got back to the house, Louie said to Max, "WHAT HAPPENED?!! Why wouldn't you show everyone what you could do?"

Max replied with a smile on his tiny parrot beak, "Louie," He explained patiently, "this was only the setup. Can you imagine how high the odds will be on Christmas?!!"