Coming Home

It’s been a family-full weekend. A brother in town, a baby being born, and embracing a family reunited after a long deployment to Iraq. Smiles abound. We welcomed home our own son a few years earlier and there’s nothing like actually having them within eyesight. Communication has improved incredibly to help families remain connected, more involved in daily routines and more available for consultation and decision-making, but it still doesn’t allow you to look into their eyes, feel their warmth, and confirm their well-being. My husband volunteers for the USO every Saturday and gets to witness a community who ensures that each planeload of soldiers is greeted with waving flags, cheering fans, and warm hugs. I think the soldiers are always a little surprised, but as they come around the corner, having heard the oncoming roar of support, they bring out their cameras and take photos of the welcoming party. No one leaves feeling hurt, disappointed, or left out. All are embraced.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You are home. Let us remember that you are waiting for us to return. Let us not keep you waiting, wondering or worried. We can check-in regularly, respect the house rules, and honor our place at the table. You are delighted when we bring friends and open wide the doors. “The more the merrier!” you encourage us. Smiles abound. Love abounds. Amen.

A Magnificat for Coming Home (partial)

O Most Creative One, ever bringing me to new life
O Most Powerful One, empowering me for life’s journey
O Indwelling One, calling me to my Center
O Beloved One, loving me as I am.

Have you noticed I’m coming home?
I have seen you, the All-Seeing One who sees me
I can remain away from home no longer
I just want to be there in you who are in me
for I have heard your call,
Make your home in Me
I can stay away from home no longer.
- Macrina Wiederkehr