A poor man asked alms of Saint Paulinus, Bishop of Nola. The prelate observing that one of the beggar's hands was withered, asked the cause.
 
"I am the son of a widow," he answered, in  an agitated voice; "from my childhood I was disobedient to my kind mother, and, as I advanced in years, I squandered all her fortune. One day, when she refused to give me the last bit of money that was left, urged by a diabolical frenzy, I struck her with this hand, which is now withered, and she fell down dead."

"This dreadful crime took place on the night before Holy Thursday, when I was preparing to receive my Easter Communion. Having hidden the bleeding corpse of my poor mother, I had the audacity to approach the Holy Table. But, O truly dreadful miracle! No sooner had I received the Sacred Host than my hand stiffened and, with the most terrible pains, became withered."

"My cries attracted the most astonished gaze of the whole congregation and, overwhelmed with confusion and shame, I fled, to escape being seen by those I knew. From that fatal day, I wander about here and there, bearing with me this withered hand, as the just punishment of my frightful sacrilege. Willingly would I bear this temporal punishment, if I had not to expect the still more fearful pains of Hell!"

Touched by this recital, St. Paulinis said to him: "There is in the Heart of Jesus, Whom you have so grievously offended, enough compassion and mercy to pardon you. Do penance, confess your sins with deep repentance, and then make a fervent Communion in reparation for your sacrilegious one."

A ray of hope brightened up the countenance of the poor sinner, and he followed the advice of the holy Bishop; hardly had he received the Body of Our Lord with all ardor and devotion when warmth and life returned to the withered hand; he was cured. O ineffable goodness of Jesus Who pardons every crime on true repentance!

Source: Father F.A. Reuter, K.C.B.S. Ave Maria Magazine.