The Gospel according to SportsNet

Anglicans and other mainline church preachers seek new ways to share the Gospel in uncertain times

“My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (ISA 55:11-12)

In Christian circles historically, the Word of God has been shared in and through different presentations of sermons or homilies.

In the Anglo-Catholic tradition I think of John Henry Newman and his Parochial and Plain Sermons (multiple collections). For example, “One principal test of our being true servants of God is our wishing to serve Him better; and be quite sure that a man who is contented with his own proficiency in Christian holiness, is at best in a dark state, or rather in great peril.”

In an evangelical tradition, I think of the Billy Graham Crusades which spanned from 1947 – 2005. For example, “Our pastor in a town told me yesterday, ‘Billy, the greatest problem we face in West Texas is that we have religion, but we don’t really know Jesus Christ.’ That’s what Jesus said to Nicodemus. You must be born again. And he was a religious man. Peace with God.”

Speaking physically, Barbara Brown Taylor encourages her listeners: “So take a breath, you faithful ones, still here after all these years—the Week After, the Week After that, and all the weeks to come. Blessed are you who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”

Each of these samples speak truthfully, they are in their own way, dated. I am told that we need new forms of expression in order to connect with both friend and stranger alike. As a recovering Blue Jays fan, I wonder about how the Gospel could be proclaimed in the style of sports journalism. Please find below my own attempt at this new genre.  

Popular cult leader struggles to convince skeptical public — A bit of a disappointment this season

One of many teachers and healers throughout Jerusalem in the past three years, the one called Jesus, has attracted large crowds wooed by his extraordinary abilities and charismatic smile.

Apart from notable initial successes his recent appearances have lacked both utility and results causing some to say he should be sent down to the minor prophets. [Sort of like Donald Trump] his numbers have slumped; he is literally batting below his weight. His confidence is in freefall, and his fans are increasingly confused and discouraged. It is hard to justify confidence in his performance especially as he seems unwilling to clearly state his own strategy and plan going forward.

Asked about Jesus’ rise to prominence in a fiercely competitive socio-religious ballpark officials — including Sanhedrin members and leaders of the Pharisees and Sadducees — now confess skepticism, even anger, about his ability to sustain early momentum. Many say his claims to authority are exaggerated and self-centred; his dubious piety  seems to ignore the best traditions of the game. And finally, the blindness of an uninformed group of followers is increasingly revealed and the term “false prophet” is bandied about everywhere.

Speaking for the priests Caiphas said “this man’s blasphemy is concerning and unhelpful in our dealings with the Romans.” Alarmingly Caiaphas suggests that “sometimes one must trade a player for the good of the team.”

Roman Governor Pilate disregarded the influence of Jesus: “As long as he causes me no trouble I care not what he says or does.” And further, “I wash my hands of this man, now and in the future.” In other words, solve your own problems; I have enough of my own. A typical General Manager for sure.

Jesus started out so well. First he is described him as one “who taught with great authority.” Second, the raising of a dead man front and centre in describing the influence and reputation of Jesus. The Third Man thinks that the temple may well come down and be rebuilt in three days. Short of a miracle, we caught all these predictions last year. The Temple (Rogers Centre) is still there. And nothing has changed.

Expectations are all over the place. One can only imagine how free agency would value Jesus. He does it all. Half a billion followers? Possibly. Both offensively and defensively he holds the upper hand. Defensively he is the ultimate gold-glover. It is however offensively where he delivers the most damage, though the damage may turn back on him. Some suspect he may still deliver the ultimate sacrifice fly given enough time to develop and mature.

What remains however is the roster itself. With only 12 disciples holding down spots on the active roster (one in particular rather tentatively) and an unknown expanded roster it is a manager’s job to figure out where value lies and what changes must be made . . . and when.

There is fierce competition for key spots. Some players prefer the right side, others the left. All want to be aside Jesus. And what about the Zealots? And the mysterious “disciple whom Jesus loved?” These are unknowns, disturbingly so. Beyond the key roster, what about the women? Who are they? How many are they? And what about Mary? And Hazel Mae?

So many questions. So many curiosities. So much drama — baseball is such a gladiatorial sport. Sometimes you win; sometimes you lose. It ain’t over till it’s over. Then you do it over again the next day, and the day after, and the day after. Sabbath rest comes with regular irregularity. Let’s say together “let’s play ball”; better still, “let’s play life.”

The Blue Jays are at a point where they need to do whatever they can to find some offense, and Roden’s not providing that right now.