Chapter 5: Lenten Musings on “Home”

After three weeks of cogitations on the meaning of "home" in Church communities, Church writings, and secular and indigenous societies, I have discovered that 1. there are as many ideas of home as there are people in the world, 2. leaving home to migrate to another country is an experience common to many, 3. those who believe in God can be at home anywhere, and 4. providing a safe physical home for people has the potential to empower them, but it may also imprison them if they are handicapped by fear.

In an ideal world, a home is a place where we can gather family and friends, welcome them, and share food together. But not everyone has a home today: for many the mission van or Church hall is the closest they come to a physical home. Many urban unit dwellers eat out habitually with friends at restaurants and clubs, as it's much safer that way in a crowded city. Jesus and his disciples were travellers who depended on their friends and innkeepers for meeting places and accomodation. For Christians, sharing communion together, and remembering Jesus, reminds us of all these concepts of home, and unites us in the attempt to help people in need, whatever their situation.