This summer, millions of people have flocked to theaters to see Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey.”  I wonder if you have seen the movie, and what you thought of it. 

Attributed to the Greek poet Homer in the 8th century B.C.E., this ancient tale is the epic journey of Odysseus over 20 years, first to fight in the Trojan War, and then through many temptations, trials and tragedies, returning home to Ithaca.   

Home. 

Of course, when Odysseus does return to Ithaca, he finds that it has changed in his absence, and so has he.  The journey does not end with his arrival at a familiar place, but continues through new challenges, tests of relationships, and self-discovery. 

This Sunday, we’ll celebrate our own “Homecoming” as people who call St. Michael’s home, or who may be thinking about doing so for the first time.  It is a symbolic return from whatever the summer sojourn has meant for each of us and our households – finding our way back to friendship, to mutual care and support, and to grounding and peace.  But home is not only a shelter for rest; it is also a place of challenge and discovery and growth.  We return home to bravely explore and inquire, to serve and witness, to pray. 

I am really excited to welcome you home this Sunday.  Together, let us rekindle our common life and walk together through a new season of learning, living, and loving. 

With you, 

Scott+ 

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  (A Prayer for the Parish, BCP p. 817)