Whenever we see the name Christopher Nolan sprawled across the opening credits of a film, we know we aren’t simply feasting our eyes on a one to one recreation of something that already exists but rather an artistic spectacle of the film industry. That is exactly what you’d expect and get when sitting down to watch his rendition of Homer’s epic, The Odyssey. The story of Odysseus and the monsters he faces have been done countless times. These renditions often highlight his cleverness, his heroism, and even his morality. And while Nolan included all of that in his version, there is also a psychological layer that is included. Odysseus finds that it’s not only gods and monsters keeping him from coming home; above all else, it is his guilt.
Spoilers to a story written almost 3,000 years ago, Odysseus uses clever trickery to win the Trojan War. In the movie, we learn that Odysseus feels shame for not winning the war honorably. Because of his guilt, he spends his entire return journey defying the gods and trying to do the right thing by bringing as many of his men home as possible. If you know this story, then you know it doesn’t really work out. Odysseus loses hope about as quickly as he loses soldiers. It becomes easy to explain his delay as a result of these gods and monsters, but ultimately, even when the path is clear, his guilt holds him back, feeling unworthy to return home and claim his rightful place.
Odysseus’ journey reminds us that the most dangerous monsters are rarely the ones waiting in the water, rather they are the ones we carry in our own minds. The beast we call shame is very real, and it’s something we all must face. It seems the weight of guilt doesn’t care about the size of our mistakes or downfalls. It is always heavy, and capable of holding back even the strongest of people.
What is “home” for you? Where is your odyssey taking you? Maybe it’s a job opportunity you were too scared to take. Perhaps it’s a habit or an addiction you’ve been wanting to kick. Maybe it’s a relationship you’ve been needing to repair.
For some of you, coming home is even more dire than that. Jesus tells a story in Luke Chapter 15 that we call “the prodigal son.” In the story, a father’s son asks for his inheritance early, spends it wildly, and for a time is too ashamed to come home. But when he finally does return, his father welcomes him with open arms and even throws him a party. There is an old saying: “You don’t get clean to jump in the shower; you jump in the shower to get clean.” Oftentimes we look at the chaotic circumstances around us and blame them for keeping us from where we are called to be. In reality, it is our own shame anchoring us in place. You do not have to navigate a perfect, storm-free sea to earn your way back. Drop your guilt, and step onto the shore. You can always come home.