There is something to be said about the importance of being welcomed at the end of a journey… to see a familiar face in the crowd rather than strangers … the face/s of people who are glad or excited to see you. I am sure that there was an element of joy in Jesus heart as he entered Jerusalem, welcomed by the supportive crowd rather than the hostility of the authorities. This was the Son of God, being welcomed into the Holy City, the center of the religious faith of the Jews. Surely this was one place Jesus would find a welcome?

I was thinking of this on Thursday as Maurie and I attended the funeral of our good friend Tim Lyne. There were occasions when Tim and his family saw us off on our journeys or collected us from the airport…. They were the familiar, welcoming faces, glad to see us, looking for signs that the holiday had refreshed us, and waiting to hear of our adventures.

What a difference family and friends make in our lives, what an incredible difference to our sense of “belonging” and “home”!

The people on Tamborine Mountain seem to have been following the same study book that we have been using – Homeward Bound by Bishop Doug Stevens. Father Jim Stonier spoke about Tim’s faith and the certainty of him being welcomed Home … having “saved the best till last.”

We are all on a journey. Although we sojourn at various “homes” on the way, the destination is the same. We journey home to our heavenly Father, there to be welcomed with open arms and a loving embrace.

Love and Blessings

Reverend Shan