Deacon Brigid Waszczak

“As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts — no bag… extra shirt or sandals… Whatever town… you enter, search for some worthy person and stay at their house… If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it… If anyone will not welcome you or listen… leave… and shake the dust off your feet.”
Matthew 10: 7-11, 13-14

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

When we lived in London, my husband’s office was directly across from Speaker’s Corner in Hyde Park. When the windows of the office were open, you could hear soapbox orators exhorting the public to action, preaching the Gospel, or waxing eloquent on the evils of the day.

Audiences gathered and disbursed as the speaker’s monologue continued. A true London experience for tourists!

The scripture cited tells of Jesus sending out disciples for house-to-house, open-air street preaching in neighboring towns and villages. No fund-raising for the effort, no special equipment was needed.

The disciples weren’t just to preach, but were to work among the people, helping with farming, furniture building, and other common tasks of the day, and earning their keep rather than expecting food and lodging as payment for sharing their message. ”Freely you have received (from me, Jesus); freely give.”

The disciples didn’t have a designated corner as in London. They were to teach wherever people gathered—work sites, shops, markets, courtyards. They sought out populated spaces and then preached, as opposed to the Hyde Park preacher who attempted to draw an audience with variations in pitch, tone, pace, and vocal volume.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” was the message. The same words Jesus spoke earlier in Matthew 4: 17. Jesus instructed about what to say, but not how to offer it. He suggested an intriguing message that would draw listeners to be curious about a kingdom of heaven different from the Roman kingdom oppressing them.

I never felt called to deliver a message on Speaker’s Corner while living there. In fact, I was never among those gathered in the Park. Being on that soapbox held no attraction for me.

I prefer Jesus’ model of sharing the Gospel while engaged in day-to-day activities. I’m not suggesting strong-arming people, trying to convert them with my message, but sharing my beliefs if the opportunity presents itself, and demonstrating my Christian convictions though kind, loving, compassionate behavior.

Which appeals to you more: the soapbox or subtle sharing?

Blessings,

—Deacon Brigid