I have a friend whom I'm going to keep anonymous. Let's say its a "He." We talk occasionally, and less than I'd like to. I love him, and I only want the best for him. During one of our conversations, I was trying to get a point across and may have went too far because the number of our conversations has decreased since then. Also, I took an objective approach in what I said on a matter where objectivity probably wasn't best suited.
I don't think pride was the reason behind the comment. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it was. I can get so caught up in "life" or "worldly pleasures" or "successes" that I'm not speaking to others with God at the forefront of my mind. I'm not acting as if God is at the forefront of my mind. Some things I say I believe as a Catholic, but do I REALLY believe them? If so, do my actions and words align with my belief?
There are a few people who have made statements to me through verbal or written communication that are so profound that I can tell you exactly where I was when we were talking or I can tell you in what book I read it. These statements changed my life. A person once told me while we were listening to the worship team practice before a youth service, "Listen to the words in this song! Think about what you are saying and singing! It's so powerful!" No one can convince me that the Holy Spirit was not in that person at that very moment! His words were said with such passion, conviction, and life-changing breath. The second statement is regarding going up to receive the Body (bread in communion, which we Catholics believe has Jesus's real presence) during Mass. He was on the front row, and listening to the Eucharistic Minister (EM) say over and over, "The Body of Christ" while the receiver responded in a dull and monotone, "Amen." Then he goes on to say, "Could you imagine if the EM's were handing out $10 million dollars, and do you think the receiver would have the same response?" No, they wouldn't. The line would be 10 miles long! And we would have a huge influx of Catholics. Catholics would go to Mass everyday. He continued with, "Well, we are getting more than $10 million dollars! We are getting His Body and His Blood!"
I feel like the Holy Spirit is challenging me to "practice what I preach." If I truly believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist down the street at the local Catholic church, how do I not eat my "daily bread" everyday, or at least more than once a week? If I don't go be with Jesus, then I can work more and take more credit? Yes. Of course, this could lead to an increase in pride. If I give more time to Him, and let Him take care of the rest, will everything be okay? Will He ease my worries? I think so. After all, I am a sinner and I need more of Him!
