​Athens. Scripture, reflection and prayer.

Acts 17:29-34 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”  At that, Paul left the Council. Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Reflection. The reading is the conclusion of St Paul's address to the great and the good in Athens.  The response to the address was varied; some scoffed; some wanted to hear more; some believed. We can take real encouragement from this. When we speak of Jesus, and we will speak of Him, we can expect a variety of responses. Take encouragement that some will believe.  Let me point to an upcoming, easy opportunity, to speak of Jesus. Whatever your position in having a monarch, our queen has a vibrant faith in Jesus. She shares her fairh in every Christmas broadcast. As we celebrate her jubilee might we be able introduce something of her faith into the conversation? Faith and partying mixing. Why not!

Prayer. This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.