When my youngest son decided to move from New Jersey to Michigan to make a new start for his life journey, I resigned myself to his decision, but I cried. I would miss him terribly.
Almost a year later, as I began planning for Christmas, I came across a unique pocket compass. I bought it to put in his Christmas stocking and added a little note about always being able to find his way home. I wanted to support him in his decision, but remind him that his family would always be his home.
Unexpectedly, serious back issues forced him to return home where he was able to heal with the expert care of our family chiropractor and the support of the family who loves him. He has been pain-free for almost two years and has moved forward with his life, starting a new job which he loves, finding a new apartment, and being grateful for a new lease on life.
He has learned a lot on his journey, including the realization that Michigan just wasn’t his cup of tea. He shared that he would have returned home within the year even if his back hadn’t caused him such problems.
I thought of the compass and the meaning of returning home.
During his Ash Wednesday homily, Pope Francis recalled, “Jesus said: ‘Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also’ (Mt 6:21). Our heart always points in some direction: it is like a compass seeking its bearing.”
The Holy Father reminded us that “Lent is the time to rediscover the direction of life. Because in life’s journey, as in every journey, what really matters is not to lose sight of the goal. ...We should ask ourselves: On the journey of life, do I seek the way forward?... The Lord is the goal of our journey in this world. The direction must lead to him.”
As we prepare for Palm Sunday, we recall that Jesus’ journey home to God took him into Jerusalem, where palm branches and joyful shouts of Hosanna! would soon turn to suffering and death. Still, Jesus never lost sight of the goal.
Soon, Lent will draw to a close, and we will head into Holy Week, but we may continue to ask ourselves if we are allowing our faith in God to lead us true north as we navigate our daily lives.
Are we on our way home to God, or have we lost our way? Have we lost sight of what’s important, what’s eternal, what makes a difference in our lives, in our families and in our world?
Every pilgrim needs a compass.
Mary Regina Morrell is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.