Over the last few months, we have seen so many people returning to the Larder. People who have been ill or in hospital, those who have changed their work hours and even those who have no real reason, but just wanted to pop back in to say hello!
It is always refreshing to see familiar faces, and especially those who we may have wondered or felt concerned about. There are many instances in the Bible where returning “home” is a key theme.
In Luke’s gospel, you have the very famous story of the prodigal son. One faithful son stays and works faithfully, whilst the other leaves to spend all his money and lead what is said to be a sinful life. The “prodigal” child returns home, and the father welcomes him with open arms (much to the resentment and jealousy of the faithful child).
The other story, that comes to mind, is the parable of the Lost sheep in the Gospel of Matthew. The shepherd has 100 sheep, but when counting only counts 99. He leaves the 99 and goes in search of the lost 1, who does return to the herd.
In both scenarios, we are reminded that even if we stray far from Church, a Christian life (or even the Larder), Jesus will welcome us all back with open arms. We will still be welcome to meet him at the Altar, just as we are.
This is the same across the 2 Parishes: we will welcome all of you, who return to us in one way or another. No judgement.
An important side note to remember, is that there is still love, for the Faithful Son and the 99-remaining sheep, and we are still just as valued as the people who return. In both stories, though, there is a huge sense of relief that these people are safe and home.
