Reflections for Youth: Puzzle Pieces

Gosh, what's going on around us is so weird and complicated - isn't it?

We can feel bored, scared, angry, grief, and joy all on the same day! I've been feeling like every day during this Covid-19 pandemic can be a roller coaster. 

How are you feeling? 

As I read the scripture passages for this week I've been thinking that maybe we can, in some way, identify with what the apostles and followers of Jesus were experiencing after his death and resurrection.  Over the next few weeks will be diving into the book of Acts where we will read about how Jesus' apostles and followers were doing exactly what we are doing now. They are sheltering in place. They were taking care of each other, sharing what they have, and meeting in their homes and praying together. 

This week's passages from the Gospel of Luke tells the story of a follower of Jesus, Cleopas, and what he experienced on the day of the resurrection. 

Read Luke 24: 13-35

Earlier in the day the women had visited the tomb and found it empty. The Bible also tells us that this was the same day that Jesus appeared to the disciples in a locked room and said: "Peace be with you."

Luke tells us that Cleopas and another disciple were on the road from Jerusalem and were going home to Emmaus. They were happy and joyful as they remembered how ti was to listen to Jesus and learn about the kingdom of God. Yet they were sad as they remembered the past week where Jesus was arrested and then died.  They were so distracted that they didn't notice the stranger walking beside them.  They talked about Jesus with the stranger, telling him about what went down in Jerusalem. And the stranger taught and reminded them about prophets that had come before, beginning with Moses.  The invited the stranger to stay with them for the night. 

Spoiler alert: The person that was walking and talking with them was Jesus. But, they didn't realize it was him until they were sharing a meal and Jesus broke and blessed the bread. And then - you guessed it. Jesus disappears.

 Poof.

The Gospel of Luke said suddenly, he was gone. 

Cleopas and friends were so moved and excited that they left right away and went back to Jerusalem to join the disciples. 

What a day. What a range of emotions.  I can imagine that the day for them was somewhat like putting together a puzzle.  When they met the stranger on the road it was like starting a new puzzle when you don't have the picture on the box as a guide. They had to slowly put together the bigger picture as they put the pieces in place throughout the day.  Cleopas had to put things together a little bit at a time before he could recognize Jesus. 

On the road to Emmaus, the more puzzle pieces they received the better able they were to see that the Resurrected Jesus was with them. Jesus helps them put the pieces in place by sharing stories and praying with them. 

That's how we build our faith story. 
Piece by piece.
Scripture by scripture.
Experience by experience.

When we learn about and talk about biblical stories, Jesus, and when we pray together - then we are adding more pieces to the puzzle that helps us better see the whole picture of resurrection and Resurrected Jesus.  

Jesus, and God's love, is always with us. 

Here are some questions to think about:

• How many different emotions—ups and downs—are you experiencing on a single day? 
• How do you respond to a hard day? A great day? An average day?
• What difference does your response make?