Warm Hearts

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

-Luke 24:30-32

When was the last time you had an epiphany moment?  That realization that what you were looking for was right in front of you all the time?  It happens with our glasses, phone, and sometimes our keys… but I’m talking about something more crucial than these trivial “forgetfulness” moments.  One of the things I truly love about Scripture is that I can read a passage at different times in my life and something new always seems to come to my mind.  God’s love and grace is revealed in new and special ways, even (and sometimes particularly), in passages I think I already “know”.

The disciples walking back home to Emmaus were depressed and anxious to leave the city and move on after what felt like the failure of Jesus’ ministry.  They were grieving their friend who was brutally executed by the Roman authorities.  As they walked, they encountered Jesus, who explained all of the scriptures to them.  What a powerful road trip conversation!  But they didn’t recognize who he was until he broke the bread at table with them.  God opened their hearts first and then opened their eyes.

God wants to warm our hearts to the truth.  God desires to give us insight and understanding.  God meets us on the road we are already traveling.  Will our eyes be opened and our hearts burn?

God of resurrection power, you called your Son out of the tomb and in so doing, called the whole creation into new life. Even now, you call us to join your way of resurrection, you lift our eyes and raise our hearts, you transform our minds and renew our spirits.  Forgive us our sins and help us to forgive those who sin against us.  Bring us once again into awareness of your presence, that we may offer you our worship, and be nourished for your kingdom’s work. We pray in the name of the risen Christ. Amen.