How much does a Pente cost?

Okay, so lame joke, if it can even be called a joke, but it amused me.  Of course, some would say I am amused easily; to that, I say, "And it took you how long to figure that out?"  However, let's get on with getting on.  First I'd like to update my last post: Either I'm a bit over-dramatic or consequences just develop very slowly for me.  I don't think I opened the equivalent of Pandora's Box for me, along with, I don't think I have made the equivalent discovery of fire for myself.  Of course, it's easy to feel like I have when emotions are involved and stick my foot in my mouth down to my trachea.  There's also the possibility that absolutely nothing will come of the particular discussions of last week.  I know I'm bad at predicting the future.  For example, it could be 12:30 am and I've just gotten off work; I say to myself, I'm going to bed at 1 am to give me a little time to get home and unwind.  So, I get home and I see this really fascinating show on tv and it keeps me up until 2:30 am.  Just from something normal, my prediction is broken and it is proven that I can't foretell the future with any credible degree of accuracy.  However, the possibility that absolutely nothing will come of it?  I doubt that's true at all; for every action and interaction (at least in my life, so far), there are consequences, some good and some bad.  Most of the time those consequences are some that I had no idea they would occur.  Now, I am not saying we should act whichever way the wind blows, as we know what actions are right and wrong, along with having the ability to weigh some of the possible consequences that we have witnessed before.  We just have to ask ourselves, (hopefully before we take the action, something that I definitely need to work on) "Am I doing/Have I done the right thing? What will be/What are the consequences of my actions (short term and effect on my soul term)?"

That was a longer update/spiel than I was anticipating, that's cool.  Let's get on with the next topic: secret clubs.  I know, you're thinking, "Adam, what are you talking about? Secret clubs and Pentecost? Those two don't even connect."  That, my friend, is where you're wrong.

So, in Sunday's Gospel, the disciples were in a locked upper room and they didn't want anybody else coming in.  Right there, secret club.  With that first description, you could think that they were like the "He-Man Woman Haters Club" from the Little Rascals tv show or movie.  Obviously, there are dissimilarities but both groups didn't want to have uninvited guests and they wanted to lock everyone else out. The disciples were afraid of the Jews and the little boys were scared of girls.  That bonded them together more than if they were just Christians and the boys were just random boys.  How often do we start secret clubs, even if we don't think of them like that, because we're afraid of something or someone, or just because we don't like something or someone?  I can also refer to "secret club" as a clique. In a way, we seek protection and refuge from someone or something because we don't like what affect the person/people or thing will have on us.  Maybe it's negative points on our reputation or maybe the outcome, in some circumstances, is as drastic as death.

In the Gospel, Jesus comes before them and says to them, "Peace be with you." Jn 20:19.  I think I would have fallen straight out of my chair, twisting and hitting my face on the floor.  Even if I had seen some of His other appearances, I think it would have shocked me that much.  Then, He shows them His hands and side and they were glad when they saw Him. Jn 20:20.  I would not be surprised if "glad" is understating things by alot.  I'm glad when I have a good day at work, I would be completely ecstatic and awe-struck by my LORD and Savior appearing before me.  I just don't see how that is something a person can get used to, even if you spent 3 years with Him and was witness to multiple appearances after He was crucified and resurrected.  I hope I would be ecstatic at least, I don't want to get used to something like that.

Jesus then says, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you."  And when that's done, He breathes on them and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit" Jn 20:21-22.  Obviously, I paraphrased some of it, but not what's in quotes.  What do they have to be afraid of, especially now?  Jesus is sending them out and while they may die (most of them die via martyrdom), He's like don't worry, I've got your back.  If you do My will and spread the Good News, what really matters, your soul, will be great.

Yes, I've read ahead.  So why are some Catholics and other Christians not living that way? I'll admit, I've been a part of a group out of  fear for my reputation, even during the times I've wanted to be a good person.  But thinking about it, my reputation vs. my soul, what's more important? Obviously, my soul. I think we get sidetracked though, reputation is short-term and soul is long-term; sometimes I'd rather think about now instead of later.  But we should not do that.  Speaking as a Catholic and believing in what the Church teaches,  the Church is not trying to be exclusive, She has the concern for all souls in her heart.  As good Catholics, we should want everybody to believe and go to Heaven.  The Church is not a secret club for anybody, it is a community of believers, the Mystical Body of Christ.

So, I've got a challenge, if you read my blog, Catholic, any other denomination of Christian, or really anybody: At least once this week, hopefully more, and for longer than this week: open your heart to somebody, somebody you wouldn't normally do much for.  Be a good example of a person: give them the ear they need to listen, if they need 5 cents and you have it, give it to them.  It's a small way, but if there aren't any available "great ways" right there, the small ways are better than keeping yourself closed off.  I realize this was a longer post and I appreciate your reading.

Say what?

Dear God,

I had absolutely no idea I was going to say that.  Please help me deal with the consequences, good or bad.  Thank you.
Love,
Adam

Do you ever say that sort of prayer to yourself? Minus signing it Adam, unless your name is Adam, of course.  I'm saying that right now.  I just had the same question posed to me and repeated, kind of like when Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?"  Either that, or when Peter is questioned in the courtyard about being Jesus' disciple.  The question wasn't even posed that forcefully, at least I don't think it was.  I should have told the full truth when I was asked the first time, but I thought I'd skirt around it.  But then I was asked again, and maybe a third time, I don't really remember.  But the last time I was asked, I gave the person the truth, all of it.  And it took both of us by surprise, and I'm somewhat confused by the response right now.  I have no idea what happened really, I feel like I either just opened Pandora's box or brought fire back to humankind.  I'm sure that's hyperbole, but that's what it feels like at the moment.  A momentous decision that will impact my life forever.  The funny thing is, God was in that decision.  It's like, to use a Carrie Underwood reference, I let Jesus take the wheel.  And while I'm nervous about it, I'm less nervous and inquisitive about it than I would be were I trying to control the situation.  If God is leading you towards something, it'll turn out to be good, even if it doesn't look like it at first.  Trust in the Lord.  Much easier said than done, especially for me, but definitely worth it in the long run.  We'll see where this leads.