When he [the risen Jesus] was at the table with them [Cleopas and his companion], he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:30-35)

As I write this devotion, I'm at Confirmation Camp with eight young people from our congregation. We're joined by about ninety other youth and their pastors or primary Confirmation leaders. It is a week of music and prayer, activities and laughter, reading scripture and making friends, meaningful conversation and fantastic silliness.

The theme for this week is from the 24th chapter of Luke-the story of the Road to Emmaus. We've explored the expectations we bring, that people have of us, and that God has of us. And we've discussed the brokenness we feel, experience, and participate in when those expectations are not met. We're celebrated the love of God in Christ Jesus-who takes all brokenness with him on the cross.

This morning, we saw a "heartburn skit." Interspersed with "commercials" for the antacid "TUMS," we heard how Peter and James and John; the women at the empty tomb; and Cleopas and his friend experienced the risen Christ. "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?" Then the youth were asked to think about, discuss, and share a time when their heart has burned with the power of Holy Spirit at work. It was a beautiful moment in the week. It was a hilarious and excellently executed skit, but more importantly, it opened the door for the youth and leaders to consider how God's Holy Spirit is still at work in them and in the world. Where has your heart been pulled to serve others, work justice, listen carefully, and act boldly in the world? How has an encounter with the risen Christ caused your heart to burn?

God of tempest and whirlwind, you descended on Pentecost long ago and still alight on each one in the gift of baptism. Stir up your Spirit in us, that we may act boldly to serve our neighbors. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Contributed by Pastor Becky
Monday August 17, 2015
Liturgical Year B: Week 38
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper15
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost