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October 7th.
2009
HOMECOMING
With both of the Prior boys in high school we are surrounded by all the
goings on of this season of their lives. Last week was Homecoming. Each
evening brought a strategy session on what the appropriate attire would
be for the theme of the next day. Colors, superheroes, and construction
day (their school is under construction) all brought forth a goofy
outfit.
One being a Junior and one being a Freshman, Homecoming also calls for
class competition to see which class has the best spirit. Interestingly,
they shared clothes, gave advice and encouraged the other’s
participation. On the other hand there were both daily and nightly
rivalries. In this arena clear lines where drawn. The only minimal
moment of compassion was when the elder tried to explain to the younger,
“the way of the world” when it comes to upper classmen and freshmen
(quite hilarious actually).
At the core the concept of “Homecoming” - besides all of the spirited
fun - is the desire for previous students to gather again for fun,
fellowship and of course to support the whole team. Ironically, I saw
very few “old students” besides those who actually never left or long
ago moved back. And I must confess that since my sophomore year of
college I have never returned for Homecoming in my hometown.
Why is that? Has such time and distance grown that most are not
interested in returning? Is the thinking that life has gone on, folks
define themselves much differently and as such returning would be
awkward? Is there fear of who we might run in to and what that encounter
might be like?
As you can see I have been pondering these things far before our boys’
recent adventures in Homecoming. I think about these same things with
respect to faith communities. Why is it that some people just “drop off
the screen?” Do any of the above questions about changes in lives,
awkward encounters, or even guilt due to their absence play into the
reluctance to return?
The answers that I usually get from those who have been absent are yes
to some of these, but the biggest reason is they just got out of the
“routine.” The other explanation is that after they were gone for a
while no one ever called to check on them. Aha! If someone from my
hometown called and said, “Hey, a bunch of us are going to Homecoming,
you should join us,” I would be much more motivated. The same is true
with members of our faith community that you may have not seen for a
while. So, give them a call. Tell them you miss them. Invite them to
join you at one of the many different opportunities ECOR offers. Help
create those homecomings.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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