But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

  - Hebrews 11.16

It is for travelers to hasten to their homeland, likewise their part is anxiety upon the roadway, and in their homeland peace. Then let us, who are on the way, hasten home; for our whole life is like the journey of a single day.

   - Columbanus, Sermon VIII, Irish, 7th century

The idea of life as a journey toward an eternal home has appealed to theologians from all eras of the Church. Columbanus and other writers of the Celtic Christian period dwelt on it frequently, as did Edwards and Bunyan in later ages.

It’s a good model and one with solid Biblical foundations (cf. Ps. 84). We are here on a journey toward our heavenly home, which Christ is preparing for us. We are not at home here on earth; but we are traveling toward our home, longing for it, eagerly anticipating it, preparing ourselves in the here and now for the way our lives will be forever, there and then.

But there are protocols for the journey. We do not simply trudge blindly or blithely along the pathway of life, without regard for our companions or the people who watch us along the way. Nor are we indifferent to the creation around us, or the social conventions and cultural forms that make our journey richer, more decent and orderly, and, yes, more enjoyable.

We do not find our home at any point along the journey, for our eyes are always on the bright light just beyond the horizon. Yet we ready ourselves for that grand arrival, being clothed with righteousness, pursuing excellence and goodness, and proclaiming peace, forgiveness, and renewal to all who observe us along the way.

The only way to find peace in the journey is to anticipate the peace that awaits us in the City to Come. The way to lose all peace is to believe that peace comes from the sights and diversions along the way, rather than the lights that glow beyond time.

Our destination is eternal glory, and we are preparing for every day of our lives. The glory we will know forever can be the glory we glimpse in the here and now. But only if we keep our eyes on the horizon and our feet on the path.

Psalm 84.5-7 (Holy Manna: “Brethren, We Are Met to Worship”)
Blest are they whose strength is founded in Your strength, O Lord above.
All whose hearts in You are grounded journey in Your strength and love.
Though they weep with tears of sadness, grace shall all their way sustain.
In Your presence, filled with gladness, they shall conquer all their pain.

Don’t let me become distracted by the many things I have to do on this journey, O Lord. Help me to keep focused on the City to Come, and to live like a citizen of that Holy Metropolis in the here and now.