It is homecoming week in Pittsfield.  Over the next several days, there will be parades, pep rallies, and a big game leading up to a celebratory dance. For many schools,  graduates will venture back to celebrate class reunions and take in the festivities of their alma mater’s homecomings. The essence of homecoming is simply this, to come back home.  
I am reminded of a homecoming that Jesus describes in the Gospel of Luke.
Luke 15:11-20
11 And he said, "There was a man who had two sons.  12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them.  13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.  14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need.  15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.  16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!  18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.  19  I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."'  20 And he arose and came to his father. ESV
In order to come home you must come to the realization that, somewhere along the way, you left the place God redeemed you to be.  Our leaving home is often not as profound as the younger brother in this parable.  Our pig pen may be one of pride and self-righteousness instead of reckless living.  It may be one of overindulgence and laziness more than debauchery. It could be a place of comfort and compromise that has lured us away from the Father’s side and replaced our purpose with self-centeredness.  Recognizing that we are away from the Father is the first step to remedy.  It is here where we see the heart of God as we determine to come home. 
Luke 15:20-24
15 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.  21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'   22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.  23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.  24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.  ESV
As we hear the merriment and activities of homecoming all around us this week, take a moment and ask yourself this question: Do I need to come home?  If you will make that step, the response of the Father will be far greater than the sound of a marching band or cheering of the crowd in the stands.  Come home! 
 
Loving you all, 
Michael