Holy Understatement

Text: Acts 20:7-12

Reflection and Question: I can well believe that the Christians of Troas “were not a little comforted” when they took Eutychus home alive after he fell three stories to the ground from where he had sat in the window of their upper room, listening to Paul preach on and on until he couldn’t help falling asleep. I have a hard time deciding which is the most understated here —Eutychus’ reaction to Paul’s preaching or the mild response to the healing or resurrection of the young man. What truth do you take from this story to strengthen you?

Prayer: O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers, Mercifully hear our prayers and grant to Your servants the help of Your power, that their sickness may be turned into health and our sorrow in to joy; through Jesus Christ. Amen. (Book of Common Worship, p.830)

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).