An American friend of mine loves Death in Paradise, the BBC TV series! Even though he has moved back to the States he eagerly awaits the new season. If you’ve not watched it before, it is a detective led series based in the Caribbean and always begins with a murder (whodunnit) and various twists as it answers the question how-dunnit! The culprit is always caught and everyone is happy. It’s a sunny, sometimes poorly acted, formulaic, entertainment for the whole family, and a complete must for the winter months. The programme requires nothing from the audience and is extremely popular. This year was the tenth season and at a time when everyone needs brightening up, just perfect.
Most ministers are often told by church members that they have (or like) a simple faith, some even say, theirs is a simplistic faith. They want sermons that do not stretch their minds yet gives them perception for the coming week. Of course, there are plenty others who demand more sophistication! For ministers who have to preach to people who want a simplistic message and to those who want a sophisticated one, with every shade in-between, it is a pretty hard ask.
I have been preparing to lead the Lent Group as it explores the Passion Narrative in Mark’s Gospel. I chose Mark because it is short and direct and I hope fairly simple; but, in truth, it is not that simple. In fact, the more one learns about the Gospel, the more complex it becomes. But for this Lent group, what is important is not what I have to say about the gospel, but what you say about it and that may be complex or it may be simple. All thoughts are welcome.
One of my favourite hymns (Rejoice & Sing number 525) is based on the conclusion of Albert Schweitzer’s mammoth book, The Quest of the Historical Jesus and is both profound and simple:
“He comes to us as one unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lakeside, he came to those men who did not know who he was. He says the same words, “Follow me!”, and sets us to those tasks which he must fulfil in our time. He commands. And to those who hearken to him, whether wise or unwise, he will reveal himself in the peace, the labours, the conflicts and the suffering that they may experience in his fellowship, and as an ineffable mystery, they will learn who he is…”
The Quest of the Historical Jesus, by Albert Schweitzer, first complete version, edited by John Bowden, translation © SCM press 2000.
Martin