We got Mac a wheelchair via Amazon. Now we can go in the van to Holy Hour at our local church. It means a lot to both of us to be there, though Mac can't sit comfortably very long.
We like the shared feeling of reverence you find at Holy Hour. I wish I associated the Mass with reverence but it doesn't happen very often. The vibe of a company picnic comes to mind: forced camaraderie.
At Holy Hour people are praying silently and intently, eyes on the Eucharist. Some get down on the floor and kneel forward, head to the ground. We've even seen a couple walk on their knees from the back of the church. This is not an easy thing to do on the hard floors.
Sadly, too often the Mass doesn't seem informed by any emotion other than a wistful earnestness... this does not do justice to the Real Presence of a passionate God.
Somewhere in the last 50 years the Catholic Church lost focus on the Real Presence. It's an amazing concept, a God Who wants to be here now, with you. Not a symbol, not a memory, not a nice thought, but a real person.
I remember the first time I went to Holy Hour and observed the Eucharist in the monstrance and realized, this is more real than I am. This is Ultimate Reality while I'm just a brief gathering of atoms and electrons soon to dissipate into the ether. And here is Ultimate Reality reaching out to hold us together.
The Church knows it doesn't get any better than this. It must act like it.
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