Question

no thank you, father. i only came to ask you if you would bring your holy water to the graveyard. why didnt you tell me he was dead? i could have brought the last rites anyway. leon smiled. it wasnt necessary, father. the priest stared down at his scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock. for a christian burial it was necessary. his voice was distant, and leon thought that his blue eyes looked tired. its ok father we inst want him to have why might the author have included the detail about father paul picking up the magazine? it illustrates the constant conflict father paul faces in trying to communicate with leon. it establishes father paul as a well - read intellectual. it suggests that similar missionary work was causing conflict in other places as well. it shows that he was trying to remind himself that he did not agree with the peoples beliefs.

Explanation:

The detail of Father Paul picking up the magazine likely reflects his internal conflict. His tired demeanor and insistence on Christian burial contrast with Leon's view, suggesting he is reminding himself of his disagreement with the community's beliefs.

Answer:

It shows that he was trying to remind himself that he did not agree with the people's beliefs.