August 20, 2017

This is what happens when we follow Jesus’ example. We “tap” those who are younger but demonstrate willingness or speak a prophetic truth (like the young people in this photo). We end up standing on some steps, readying ourselves to step out and feeling shaped by those who are below us and above us on the age spectrum.

The National Presbyterian Youth Ministry Council at their meeting in Malibu, California. Photo credit: Gina Yeager

This photo is a testament to this miracle. Today is a day to celebrate the younger people in our midst; to honor the people they are now and to stand with them on the steps of life and faith. This is the day to remember the one who, first, as a 12-year-old boy, and then later, as a young adult man, stood on the steps of a new way of living, and who stepped off those steps with a gang of young people. See them. See the middle school girl with her friends, the lone high school boy made to attend worship, the college student. These are our young. They have been tapped by Jesus to follow him and you have been the one tapping, on God’s behalf.

The youth in this photo are now 32 and older. They are the adults now. Through the holy act of being called — being “tapped” — they stood on those steps then and they stand on the steps now, open-hearted, longing to serve. If you do nothing else today, a day when we celebrate youth in the church, simply notice. Take a look around you. See the youth. Really see them. They stand on the steps — hearts open, waiting for us.

Gina Yeager, Associate for Youth Ministry

Today’s Focus:  Youth in the Church and World

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Kathie Lyvers, PMA                                                                        
Teresa Mader, PMA                                                             

Let us pray:

Loving God, stand with us all. Remind us to notice, encourage, listen and lead with your Son’s heart. Show us how to follow, learn and lead, all in your merciful manner. Amen.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, August 20, 2017, the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

First Reading Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 133:1-3
Second Reading Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Gospel Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28