Going Back Home

 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

Philippians 1:3-5

It is now April. We are headed toward Summer, as Easter and Spring Break are behind us. What a glorious time of year! Today, however, I want to reflect upon yesterday, Easter Sunday.

I had the opportunity to attend Easter Mass with my family at the church where I grew up- St. Martin Church in Cheviot, Ohio. I have heard it said that you cannot go home again, but let me tell you- yes you can! My experience at my old church, the Mass being said by my brother who is a Franciscan priest, assisted by my nephew who is a Catholic Deacon, being surrounded by cousins, nieces, nephews, life-long friends- yes, you can go home again and love it.

I was touched, as always, by the Catholic liturgies and timeless Easter hymns. I was able to receive communion from the hands of my brother, and the family and spiritual connection was powerful.

I cruised around the neighborhood of my youth, and while there were changes to be sure, some things never change. I could pick out the houses where my grade school friends lived. I parked in the playground of my old grade school, and memories flooded back.

I think it is good for the soul to revisit and honor our roots. I know it was good for mine.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of memories and family, Amen