Preacher, Preacher

Today we had a traveling guest preacher at Mass.

He crept out from behind the sacristy, hunched and plodding. Laboriously, he used the altar to steady himself as he genuflected towards the tabernacle. I felt a pang of pity for him as he carefully mounted the step to the lectern, took a deep breath ... and proceeded to dance and shout like a carnival barker.

His hands shot heavenward, he waved and gyrated, his voice swelled and fell like 15 foot ocean waves. This guy was amazing. For a moment I wondered if I was in a Catholic church; with amusement I thought this might be tame in some Protestant churches.

He was very engaging and passionate; he was offering an invitation. Just what was he inviting us to, what was the great pitch? Money? Missions? Service?

Nope. He invited us to spend one hour in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament here at our own eucharistic chapel. Said it would change our lives, give us joy, and draw us close to God.

Know what? I believe him.