Whatever the reason, it's found its way into the liturgy and as a call to worship/proclaimation leading us into the worship service. Not sure how it will function that way - but we'll just have to see now, won't we.
As I glanced through the various section Feasting on the Word has to offer on this particular pericope, I settled into the 'Pastoral Perspective' in hopes of gleaning some insights into this narrative of Paul addressing the people of Athens.
Rick Mixon (the author of this section) lifted up some words and perspectives from William Willimon that applauds Paul's ability, willingness to address this audience at the place where they reside, in all their uncertainty and anxiety.
Willimon writes: "The church, rather than standing back from pagan religiosity, pointing our fingers in righteous indignation, should, like Paul in Athens, minister to their searching."
It struck me that if the church, rather than stepping back from the polarized religiosity, pointing our fingers in self-righteous indignation - what if we were able to (what if I were willing to) reach out to those - to engage the "them" in their search for what is true, what is honorable, what is just. Maybe if we (I) were able to do as Paul did for those who are a part of what we define as 'The Body of Christ' - maybe there'd be a greater prophetic witness to those who yet find themself apart from the Body of Christ.
Peace,
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