Though this Lenten season has been packed with additional prayer and activity, I never miss an opportunity to sit in silent adoration at one of our parish Lenten Vespers services. Christ truly present in the Eucharist is gloriously exposed in a gold monstrance on the altar, the massive sanctuary lit by dozens of flickering candles. It was during one of these services this year that I had a wonderful epiphany. I had arrived to Vespers a bit frazzled that evening, having practically run straight from work to the Lent soup dinner to serve fellow parishioners for a simple shared meal. However, sitting in that darkened church and beholding the blessed sacrament, I was overcome with intense joy and was incredibly humbled to participate in all these things. I was shocked at the charity of my fellow parishioners at the soup dinner and could think of no greater blessing than to be able to quietly witness Christ that evening on the altar.