In my seminary Greek class, I rediscovered the joy of reading Scripture, in all its intricacy and complexity, within a community.
Scripture comes alive in community and discussion with others. Like those of you who take part in a Bible study group, I was one of many engaging the multitude of possibilities flowing from the text, presenting my ideas, encountering those of others, and learning from my mistakes. My classmates and I were vulnerable together, rejoicing in our successes and laughing through our (many) failures. Over the course of the year, we learned to embrace our strengths and lean on one another in our weaknesses.
And more than anything else, it’s rejoicing because, despite my best attempts, Scripture always seems to slip through my fingers just as I’m about to understand it. And this reality is a constant reminder of my total reliance on God’s goodness and grace.
This message is excerpted from “It’s all Greek to me,” by Hannah Hawkinson from the August 30, 2018, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
Copyright © 2023 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected].