Sharing The Message Of Christ
Sermon
Sermons on the Gospel Readings
Series II, Cycle B
They called her "Sister" and to many thousands who jammed the Angelus Temple in Los Angeles on a regular basis to hear her preach, she was that and more. Aimee Semple McPherson, one of the most famous Pentecostal preachers of the twentieth century, was not one who took her task lightly. She did not consider her ministry one that she could take or leave; she was compelled to preach the gospel and she did it quite well.
McPherson was born in Canada in 1890 and raised in a strict evangelical Protestant household. Her parents were active in the Salvation Army and thus, when she was ready to make her mark in the promotion of God's kingdom, she migrated toward the work of her parents. She married, emigrated to the United States, and began an evangelistic career that had her crisscross the country and go to several countries in her efforts to proclaim Christ's message. In 1919, she became an Assemblies of God ordained minister and began to tour the country in a series of revivals that modeled the famous frontier camp revivals in the early years of nineteenth-century America. In 1923, she founded the Angeles Temple in Los Angeles which became the base for her Foursquare Gospel Church. In this media center of the nation, it was rather easy to move into religious radio programming as one of that medium's earliest pioneers.
Aimee McPherson also gained great notoriety as one who had the ability to bring healing to others. The Angelus Temple was often flooded by people who came to her and asked for her prayers and intercession. She was a charismatic figure who drew many to her ministry and through her efforts to Christ. People found in her a possible avenue to escape the pain or dislocation of their ordinary and, at times, mundane lives. The faithful came from all over confident that McPherson could soften their pain and help lift their burdens.
Aimee Semple McPherson was a natural at what she did and people were attracted to her evangelistic message. For her evangelization and especially preaching was a compulsion. She had been called by God and responded using the gifts and talents she was given by the Lord. She was a disciple of Jesus who sought to follow in the footsteps of her Lord.
The career of Aimee Semple McPherson is a good example of the evangelistic tradition in American Christianity. People like Charles Finney, Dwight Moody, and Billy Sunday, and more contemporary figures such as Billy Graham, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Norman Vincent Peale, and even Sinclair Lewis' famous protagonist, Elmer Gantry, are all a part of this rich tradition. In all these examples, evangelization was not something that people thought a good idea, but rather was a requirement for those privileged to live the Christian vocation. Such is the case for all of us in the early years of Christianity's third millennium.
Evangelization can be understood in varied ways. Webster's Dictionary expresses several important ideas in its definition of this word and its roots. Preaching the gospel is at the root of evangelization. We would certainly agree with this idea; it is basic to the Christian call. Yet, the dictionary explicitly provides other important ideas that must be explored. First, it speaks of "the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ." It also mentions "militant or crusading zeal" as endemic to evangelization. Thus, while it is clear that evangelization mandates that we preach the gospel, we must do so in a zealous way and with the intent and goal of effecting conversion in others. The common Christian vocation to holiness calls us to evangelize others, to bring them closer to Christ, and at least initiate a transformation in their hearts, what the Greeks called metanoia.
While the dictionary and Christians today speak of evangelization in its association with the proclamation of the gospel, this call, like that of prophecy, has been part of the Judeo-Christian tradition long before Jesus. Recall the evangelistic efforts of the some of the great men and women of the Hebrew Scriptures. In some important ways, Solomon, David's son, and the last king of the united land of Israel, was an evangelist to the Queen of Sheba. She was very impressed with him, his court, and it seems, his God, stating, "Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel!" (1 Kings 10:9a). Solomon used his gifts and talents to bring others to Yahweh. We read (1 Kings 10:24), "The whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God has put into his mind." Elijah the prophet was also a great evangelist. His encounter with the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-24) who lived in Sidon, a region north of Israel, most assuredly brought her closer to God. In a miraculous way he provides food for the woman and her son and then restores life to the boy. The woman's words of gratitude indicate the efficacy of Elijah's role as evangelist: "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is true." Elijah's successor as prophet in Israel, Elisha, was also an evangelist. His encounter with the Syrian army commander, Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-19), brought the latter to faith. Angered that the prophet did not perform some demonstrable miracle to effect a cure of his leprosy, Naaman was converted when Elisha's simple request to bathe in the Jordan brings his cleansing. He tells the prophet, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel." We must not forget the significant efforts of Esther who brought conversion to King Ahasuerus and saved her people from the wicked desires of Haman. Nor can we forget how Daniel, endowed by God with great wisdom and the ability to predict the future, and his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah brought King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to conversion. Daniel interpreted the king's dream which was impressive and earned him accolades, but it was the courage of his friends and their willingness to suffer possible death rather than worship an idol that caused the king to proclaim: "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him ... Therefore I make a decree: Any people, language, or nation that utters blasphemy against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abdenego shall be torn limb from limb, and their house laid in ruins; for there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way" (Daniel 3:28a, 29).
The New Testament is also filled with significant examples of people who have served to bring people closer to God and effected at least an initiation of their conversion. While our Christian tradition tells us that the apostles went forth to proclaim the word at Jesus' command (Matthew 28:19) some of the stories are more memorable. In the wake of the resurrection, Peter fearlessly and boldly proclaims his faith in Jesus in Solomon's Portico (Acts 3:11-26). His preaching brought many to the faith. Similarly, in the Acts of the Apostles (8:26-40) we recall the story of Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. Inspired by the Spirit, Philip explained the scriptures and Jesus to the man who requested baptism on the spot. Undoubtedly the best example of evangelization in the New Testament, save that of Jesus himself, was Saint Paul. Through his three arduous and lengthy missionary journeys about the Mediterranean world and his corpus of letters to these communities, Paul transformed Christianity from a sect of Judaism to the major world religion it is today. Appropriately, a few years back, a History Channel special referred to Paul as "the apostle who turned the world upside down."
Today's Gospel Reading from Saint Mark demonstrates many of the attributes, qualities, and skills that Jesus possessed as the premier evangelist of the "New Way." Mark relates how Jesus lifted the pain of others. When informed of the condition of Peter's mother-in-law, Jesus unhesitatingly cured her fever allowing her to resume her duties. It is clear that people throughout the surrounding region of Capernaum brought any and all who were afflicted to Jesus, convinced that he could aid them. As Mark (1:33) reports, "The whole city [of Capernaum] was at the door." These events, occurring immediately after Jesus dazzled the people in the synagogue with his teaching, demonstrate how Jesus' words and actions brought people to conversion; he was an evangelist of the first order and rank. As people continue to come, however, Jesus states that their mission must become more active. He and the apostles went throughout the region of Galilee preaching and casting out demons. Jesus was on a mission from his Father, to proclaim liberty to captives, to release prisoners, and to declare a year of favor of the Lord. He gathered a cadre of loyal followers, the apostles, who were his inner circle. But many others joined him, received the word, and went forward to continue his work. Obviously, Jesus was continuing the long and glorious tradition of his forbearers mentioned earlier as an evangelist. Aimee Semple McPherson and many others would follow the Lord's lead and so, too, must we who live today.
While our common Christian vocation to holiness calls us to be evangelists, we must recognize that there are many varied approaches or models that one can follow. We may demonstrate a more obvious and overt sense of our call to evangelism. In an earlier generation this might have meant religious revivals and mass conversions. Today it might be manifest in proclaiming Christ's message on the street corner or in the public square. Possibly our call is to go door-to-door and speak to people directly and personally about our own experiences of Christ with others. This can be done in our own neighborhoods or by crisscrossing the country. Our call to be evangelists might be much more subtle and low key, yet just as effective on a smaller scale. We should never discount the significance of positive Christian example lived daily as a powerful symbol of evangelization. A kind word, loving gesture, what people today call "random acts of kindness" can be transformative to others in ways we hardly recognize. We might not think that simple acts can do much, but we must recall what Jesus says when describing the final judgment: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
Regardless of the method we use, whether it be newsworthy, flashy, or quite simple, all the baptized, those called to evangelization, must do as Jesus did. First, we must lift the pain of others. Few of us have the training to remove much physical pain from our brothers and sisters, but we can, and must, do what we can to lift or assist others with the many spiritual and psychological burdens they carry. Most would agree that these travails are generally more severe, of greater duration, and more troublesome than bodily pain. We must take the time to be present, to talk with or listen to others when they need us. When necessary we must be willing to offer advice, even it that takes the form of "tough love." We must do what we can to lead people to Jesus, the great physician who says, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
Next, we must be open to the presence of others; we must exclude or shun no one. As Aimee Semple McPherson, following in the way of her Lord, welcomed all to her Angelus Temple, so must we be open to others. It is a sad situation, but nonetheless a reality, that today we live in an ever more exclusive and separatist society. We separate ourselves on all fronts. We separate ourselves by race and ethnic origin. Some will only associate with people of their own ethnic or racial background. Others somehow do not measure up; we are afraid of the difference and diversity. We separate ourselves politically. Some won't listen to a new idea, viewpoint, or opinion. We cannot be objective because we are rooted in our own ideological beliefs and refuse to consider any other possibility. We separate ourselves religiously. Some of us concentrate on the things that divide Christians and think little about that which makes us one. Some refuse to change and others think that change cannot come swiftly enough. We separate ourselves socially. We will only associate with the "right" people, those who will help elevate us on the social ladder. We concentrate on appearance, and thus, will only consider that which is sufficiently beautiful, intellectual, athletic, or powerful.
We must live our lives so that others will be inspired by what they see and hear in us. Thus, we must be very conscious of what we do and say. People are either attracted to us or rejected by us; few people remain neutral in their attitudes toward others. We must realize that the Christian message must be played out in our day-to-day lives. The witness value we give to those with whom we work, our neighbors down the block, and even the casual encounters of life speak volumes of who we are. Such seemingly unimportant activities of our lives are the subtle ways of evangelization.
Lastly, we must realize that our roles as evangelists are ongoing; we are on the path to the Lord and must keep going so as to keep ourselves on the road and bring others with us. We will falter and make errors, but we know that our merciful and compassionate God is with us every step of the way. Recall Jesus' words, "Remember I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This is not always an easy road, but Jesus suggested the narrow, more difficult and less traveled path, but the only one that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).
As baptized Christians we have been called to be evangelists, to preach God's word to others. This vocation will not be easy and should not be taken lightly, for it is part of our mission as followers of Jesus. We might think, like Job, that life is drudgery and pain and we have no reason or call to proclaim the word to others, but we cannot avoid our responsibilities. We, like Jesus, are compelled to be evangelists and to proclaim the word. We can proclaim the word in a vast assembly like Aimee Semple McPherson, Billy Graham, or Fulton Sheen, but most of us do so every day in the ordinary and even mundane actions and encounters of life. When we smile, the world smiles. When we say, "Have a good day," the world says the same. When we demonstrate the love and goodness of Christ to others in word and deed, the world will be made a better place. The Christian vocation to holiness and service beckons us to fall in line with the great men and women of history who have proclaimed the message of Christ with their lives. As we gather in prayer this day let us be aware of our common vocation to be evangelists, to bring others to Jesus. It is the Lord whom we serve; it is the eternal life he promised that will be our reward.
McPherson was born in Canada in 1890 and raised in a strict evangelical Protestant household. Her parents were active in the Salvation Army and thus, when she was ready to make her mark in the promotion of God's kingdom, she migrated toward the work of her parents. She married, emigrated to the United States, and began an evangelistic career that had her crisscross the country and go to several countries in her efforts to proclaim Christ's message. In 1919, she became an Assemblies of God ordained minister and began to tour the country in a series of revivals that modeled the famous frontier camp revivals in the early years of nineteenth-century America. In 1923, she founded the Angeles Temple in Los Angeles which became the base for her Foursquare Gospel Church. In this media center of the nation, it was rather easy to move into religious radio programming as one of that medium's earliest pioneers.
Aimee McPherson also gained great notoriety as one who had the ability to bring healing to others. The Angelus Temple was often flooded by people who came to her and asked for her prayers and intercession. She was a charismatic figure who drew many to her ministry and through her efforts to Christ. People found in her a possible avenue to escape the pain or dislocation of their ordinary and, at times, mundane lives. The faithful came from all over confident that McPherson could soften their pain and help lift their burdens.
Aimee Semple McPherson was a natural at what she did and people were attracted to her evangelistic message. For her evangelization and especially preaching was a compulsion. She had been called by God and responded using the gifts and talents she was given by the Lord. She was a disciple of Jesus who sought to follow in the footsteps of her Lord.
The career of Aimee Semple McPherson is a good example of the evangelistic tradition in American Christianity. People like Charles Finney, Dwight Moody, and Billy Sunday, and more contemporary figures such as Billy Graham, Bishop Fulton Sheen, Norman Vincent Peale, and even Sinclair Lewis' famous protagonist, Elmer Gantry, are all a part of this rich tradition. In all these examples, evangelization was not something that people thought a good idea, but rather was a requirement for those privileged to live the Christian vocation. Such is the case for all of us in the early years of Christianity's third millennium.
Evangelization can be understood in varied ways. Webster's Dictionary expresses several important ideas in its definition of this word and its roots. Preaching the gospel is at the root of evangelization. We would certainly agree with this idea; it is basic to the Christian call. Yet, the dictionary explicitly provides other important ideas that must be explored. First, it speaks of "the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ." It also mentions "militant or crusading zeal" as endemic to evangelization. Thus, while it is clear that evangelization mandates that we preach the gospel, we must do so in a zealous way and with the intent and goal of effecting conversion in others. The common Christian vocation to holiness calls us to evangelize others, to bring them closer to Christ, and at least initiate a transformation in their hearts, what the Greeks called metanoia.
While the dictionary and Christians today speak of evangelization in its association with the proclamation of the gospel, this call, like that of prophecy, has been part of the Judeo-Christian tradition long before Jesus. Recall the evangelistic efforts of the some of the great men and women of the Hebrew Scriptures. In some important ways, Solomon, David's son, and the last king of the united land of Israel, was an evangelist to the Queen of Sheba. She was very impressed with him, his court, and it seems, his God, stating, "Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel!" (1 Kings 10:9a). Solomon used his gifts and talents to bring others to Yahweh. We read (1 Kings 10:24), "The whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God has put into his mind." Elijah the prophet was also a great evangelist. His encounter with the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-24) who lived in Sidon, a region north of Israel, most assuredly brought her closer to God. In a miraculous way he provides food for the woman and her son and then restores life to the boy. The woman's words of gratitude indicate the efficacy of Elijah's role as evangelist: "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is true." Elijah's successor as prophet in Israel, Elisha, was also an evangelist. His encounter with the Syrian army commander, Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-19), brought the latter to faith. Angered that the prophet did not perform some demonstrable miracle to effect a cure of his leprosy, Naaman was converted when Elisha's simple request to bathe in the Jordan brings his cleansing. He tells the prophet, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel." We must not forget the significant efforts of Esther who brought conversion to King Ahasuerus and saved her people from the wicked desires of Haman. Nor can we forget how Daniel, endowed by God with great wisdom and the ability to predict the future, and his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah brought King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to conversion. Daniel interpreted the king's dream which was impressive and earned him accolades, but it was the courage of his friends and their willingness to suffer possible death rather than worship an idol that caused the king to proclaim: "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him ... Therefore I make a decree: Any people, language, or nation that utters blasphemy against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abdenego shall be torn limb from limb, and their house laid in ruins; for there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way" (Daniel 3:28a, 29).
The New Testament is also filled with significant examples of people who have served to bring people closer to God and effected at least an initiation of their conversion. While our Christian tradition tells us that the apostles went forth to proclaim the word at Jesus' command (Matthew 28:19) some of the stories are more memorable. In the wake of the resurrection, Peter fearlessly and boldly proclaims his faith in Jesus in Solomon's Portico (Acts 3:11-26). His preaching brought many to the faith. Similarly, in the Acts of the Apostles (8:26-40) we recall the story of Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch. Inspired by the Spirit, Philip explained the scriptures and Jesus to the man who requested baptism on the spot. Undoubtedly the best example of evangelization in the New Testament, save that of Jesus himself, was Saint Paul. Through his three arduous and lengthy missionary journeys about the Mediterranean world and his corpus of letters to these communities, Paul transformed Christianity from a sect of Judaism to the major world religion it is today. Appropriately, a few years back, a History Channel special referred to Paul as "the apostle who turned the world upside down."
Today's Gospel Reading from Saint Mark demonstrates many of the attributes, qualities, and skills that Jesus possessed as the premier evangelist of the "New Way." Mark relates how Jesus lifted the pain of others. When informed of the condition of Peter's mother-in-law, Jesus unhesitatingly cured her fever allowing her to resume her duties. It is clear that people throughout the surrounding region of Capernaum brought any and all who were afflicted to Jesus, convinced that he could aid them. As Mark (1:33) reports, "The whole city [of Capernaum] was at the door." These events, occurring immediately after Jesus dazzled the people in the synagogue with his teaching, demonstrate how Jesus' words and actions brought people to conversion; he was an evangelist of the first order and rank. As people continue to come, however, Jesus states that their mission must become more active. He and the apostles went throughout the region of Galilee preaching and casting out demons. Jesus was on a mission from his Father, to proclaim liberty to captives, to release prisoners, and to declare a year of favor of the Lord. He gathered a cadre of loyal followers, the apostles, who were his inner circle. But many others joined him, received the word, and went forward to continue his work. Obviously, Jesus was continuing the long and glorious tradition of his forbearers mentioned earlier as an evangelist. Aimee Semple McPherson and many others would follow the Lord's lead and so, too, must we who live today.
While our common Christian vocation to holiness calls us to be evangelists, we must recognize that there are many varied approaches or models that one can follow. We may demonstrate a more obvious and overt sense of our call to evangelism. In an earlier generation this might have meant religious revivals and mass conversions. Today it might be manifest in proclaiming Christ's message on the street corner or in the public square. Possibly our call is to go door-to-door and speak to people directly and personally about our own experiences of Christ with others. This can be done in our own neighborhoods or by crisscrossing the country. Our call to be evangelists might be much more subtle and low key, yet just as effective on a smaller scale. We should never discount the significance of positive Christian example lived daily as a powerful symbol of evangelization. A kind word, loving gesture, what people today call "random acts of kindness" can be transformative to others in ways we hardly recognize. We might not think that simple acts can do much, but we must recall what Jesus says when describing the final judgment: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
Regardless of the method we use, whether it be newsworthy, flashy, or quite simple, all the baptized, those called to evangelization, must do as Jesus did. First, we must lift the pain of others. Few of us have the training to remove much physical pain from our brothers and sisters, but we can, and must, do what we can to lift or assist others with the many spiritual and psychological burdens they carry. Most would agree that these travails are generally more severe, of greater duration, and more troublesome than bodily pain. We must take the time to be present, to talk with or listen to others when they need us. When necessary we must be willing to offer advice, even it that takes the form of "tough love." We must do what we can to lead people to Jesus, the great physician who says, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).
Next, we must be open to the presence of others; we must exclude or shun no one. As Aimee Semple McPherson, following in the way of her Lord, welcomed all to her Angelus Temple, so must we be open to others. It is a sad situation, but nonetheless a reality, that today we live in an ever more exclusive and separatist society. We separate ourselves on all fronts. We separate ourselves by race and ethnic origin. Some will only associate with people of their own ethnic or racial background. Others somehow do not measure up; we are afraid of the difference and diversity. We separate ourselves politically. Some won't listen to a new idea, viewpoint, or opinion. We cannot be objective because we are rooted in our own ideological beliefs and refuse to consider any other possibility. We separate ourselves religiously. Some of us concentrate on the things that divide Christians and think little about that which makes us one. Some refuse to change and others think that change cannot come swiftly enough. We separate ourselves socially. We will only associate with the "right" people, those who will help elevate us on the social ladder. We concentrate on appearance, and thus, will only consider that which is sufficiently beautiful, intellectual, athletic, or powerful.
We must live our lives so that others will be inspired by what they see and hear in us. Thus, we must be very conscious of what we do and say. People are either attracted to us or rejected by us; few people remain neutral in their attitudes toward others. We must realize that the Christian message must be played out in our day-to-day lives. The witness value we give to those with whom we work, our neighbors down the block, and even the casual encounters of life speak volumes of who we are. Such seemingly unimportant activities of our lives are the subtle ways of evangelization.
Lastly, we must realize that our roles as evangelists are ongoing; we are on the path to the Lord and must keep going so as to keep ourselves on the road and bring others with us. We will falter and make errors, but we know that our merciful and compassionate God is with us every step of the way. Recall Jesus' words, "Remember I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This is not always an easy road, but Jesus suggested the narrow, more difficult and less traveled path, but the only one that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).
As baptized Christians we have been called to be evangelists, to preach God's word to others. This vocation will not be easy and should not be taken lightly, for it is part of our mission as followers of Jesus. We might think, like Job, that life is drudgery and pain and we have no reason or call to proclaim the word to others, but we cannot avoid our responsibilities. We, like Jesus, are compelled to be evangelists and to proclaim the word. We can proclaim the word in a vast assembly like Aimee Semple McPherson, Billy Graham, or Fulton Sheen, but most of us do so every day in the ordinary and even mundane actions and encounters of life. When we smile, the world smiles. When we say, "Have a good day," the world says the same. When we demonstrate the love and goodness of Christ to others in word and deed, the world will be made a better place. The Christian vocation to holiness and service beckons us to fall in line with the great men and women of history who have proclaimed the message of Christ with their lives. As we gather in prayer this day let us be aware of our common vocation to be evangelists, to bring others to Jesus. It is the Lord whom we serve; it is the eternal life he promised that will be our reward.
