It’s a strange moment. Some see a new and better world unfolding. Others see chaos and authoritarianism.
In recent days I’ve had two Penn State friends from 60 years ago reach out to me. One was the ex-wife of my college roommate, we’re both in Seattle; for a few years we would take long walks together. Clare wrote, “Talking with Dolores the other day....and about politics....She is so active in addressing the current nightmare....and we reminisced on the 60's. So, of course, I thought of you.” Later Dolores, who had been the head of the campus Newman Club, wrote with something she was doing. They hoped I might have something useful to say.
I had been the leader of the civil rights group on campus. Also of the Canterbury Club. It was lovely hearing from them. For me there was a “redemptive comfort in connecting with old friends.” I don’t think I was of much help in regard to their initial concern. Dolores’s wise approach and persistence brought tears.
Going home
After several days I found myself thinking a lot about home. The other day was the birthday of my nephew. I remembered rushing to the hospital to baptizing him soon after he was born. I thought of Philadelphia and the row house on Agusta Street.
Other “homes” also came to mind. Each a response to the current state of the nation and all the emotions, all the fears and hopes.
For your reflection.
There is the home of God and eternal rest.
I myself shall see, and my eyes behold him
who is my friend and not a stranger.
I was in my first year of life when FDR died and “Going home” was sung.
Going home, going home
I’m just going home
Quiet-like, some still day
I’m just going home
It’s not far, just close by
Through an open door
Work all done, care laid by
Going to fear no more (all the lyrics)
If you want to listen -
There is the “make yourself at home” of Father Benson
Sister Michelle brought the words of Father Benson into the life and work of the Order of the Ascension.
Father Richard Benson, SSJE, wrote of those called to the religious life,
We must be as religious cherishing a habit of at once jumping into our place and finding ourselves at home in it, just as much at home there as anywhere else … The religious life is not to be a dreamy dissatisfaction with the present state of things, it is not to be a mere not knowing what to do next, because things about us are as they are, but it is the consciousness of being able to make ourselves at home under all circumstances and able to turn everything that happens to account. This is what the religious should be—ready; ready but not fussy.
How might we make ourselves at home in these circumstances? How to turn everything to good account?
There is the home a friendship
Sometimes I wonder if I'm ever gonna make it home again
It's so far and out of sight
I really need someone to talk to, and nobody else (all lyrics)
Listen if you wish -
Four homes for me: Agusta Street, Philadelphia - God - in all circumstances - a friend. I think there may be some value in our days of hope and fear, days of anger and exaltation, to go home for a bit.
This abides,
Brother Robert, OA
The Feast of George Herbert, Priest & Poet, 1633