" And here's another mystery: I often leave Mass still irritated, unsettled and in disagreement. I still think that young woman should dress differently for Mass than for the gym. I still wouldn't voluntarily sit next to the blanket man on the bus, that is, if I rode the bus. No magic happens at Mass to make our differences and disagreements disappear."

But- you were ok about going to communion still a grumble. hmmm...  So the only difference between you and "them" was that their issues were visible? and yours weren't? Something like cleaning the outside of the cup etc...

I get the beauty of the article... truly. When church stops at the door, and the heart goes hard as a rock do you think blanket man would recognize you on the street? And clearly you are one of those 'elders' as the usher got a nod from your husband to take the offering. I invite you to consider its this brand of hypocrisy that results in people leaving. 

Sign of Peace and then glassy dead eyes in the store? Wow.