Saint Paul was not always...
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Saint Paul was not always a fascinating preacher to listen to. It is recorded that on one occasion he preached a long sermon and a young man named Eutychus was sitting on a window ledge, trying his best to be a good listener. Eutychus drifted off to sleep. He became so relaxed he fell off the window ledge to the street three lofts below, which must have been several feet. Apparently the young man was not seriously injured, but the incident does remind us of the hazards of long sermons, even by a saint. A favorite cartoon is one that shows a modern congregation in a beautiful sanctuary with the sun filtering through lovely stained-glass windows. The preacher is in the pulpit expounding vigorously while waving his arms as he continues on and on. The front pew is occupied by people in modern dress with one exception. This person is wearing a Galilean robe and has sandals on his feet. His flowing beard and shoulder-length hair identify him as the first century Teacher and Carpenter. He is sitting relaxed in the pew with his head resting on the shoulder of the man sitting next to him. He is sound asleep! A preacher cannot always be expected to keep the congregation hanging breathlessly on the preacher's words, but it ought to happen once in a while. If the Gospel is good news, how can it be dull and unexciting? -- Meddock
