The focus of this issue is on home.  The question of what is home is explored from a variety of perspectives.  Linda Lee Clader suggests home is “a place where we abide.” Dale Irvin speaks of home as urban, in the city.  Edward Hunt points to mission and our claiming of our mission, our mountain as place we have a sense of belonging.  Nancy Bloomer talks about taking care of the earth as our home.  I reflect upon home from the perspective of the familiar story of the prodigal.

In all these cases, a sense of a longing to belong, to be at home is suggested.  How do we in the 21st century feel at home in a world in which there is so much discord and unhappiness? How do we speak of home without artificially constructing some narrow place where only a few can reside?

What role does the church play to provide a “home space” for people?  Is the church a home for those who feel the world has become an unstable and less than safe place? Can the preacher call forth the creation of safe space where people can feel at home?

The church as a home for those who feel lost, confused, estranged, or conflicted is an interesting missiological challenge for the 21st century.  One hears echoes of the struggling early church in I Peter where the appeal is being made to the exiles and aliens of the first century.  Perhaps a new sense of the ecumenical can come out of attempts to create “home spaces” that are linked globally and that reflect both the diversity and difference inherent in the global church.

The subject of home gives an interesting challenge to preachers.  We hope that this issue of The Living Pulpit might stimulate some thought.  In addition to this focus, the reflections upon the lectionary text for the three month period are provided for your thought and study.

May God provide you a restful and productive summer.

Sincerely,

Keith A. Russell