When it comes to watching TV, I fall into a typical male stereotype. I can quite happily sit on the settee, lined up with the television set, a cup on tea on the table next to me, jealously guarding the remote control in my right hand. There does not have to be anything particularly mind blowing on the television either. I can watch most things without too much care or concern, especially when I can cycle through 30 of my favourite channels in the hope that I will chance upon that golden nugget hidden away in the schedules.
It was during one of these button-pushing zap fests that I discovered such a hidden gem. In the time assigned for “local-based, regional programming”, a gentlemen was discussing fishing. I think he was discussing the various flies used for fly-fishing and how to cast so the lure acted as though it were alive. Now I have no interest in fishing. I understand the peace and tranquillity of sitting on a river bank gently casting a line back and forth, but it is not for me. However, this gentlemen, dressed in waist high waders, with the requisite body-warmer and floppy hat, grabbed my attention and held it for over five seconds, the interval normally given to each program while “channel hopping”.
In fact, I stayed with the program until the end. There was something about the presenter’s enthusiasm and knowledge, an interesting mix of gentleness and authority. I got drawn into the mind games between fisherman and trout, the silent battle between man and fish. It was a thoroughly enjoyable program and showed me the value of an enthusiast on his subject. Since then I have noticed and enjoyed other enthusiasts although they tend to be better known. Pete Waterman loves steam trains, while Paul Merton draws you expertly in to the world of the comedians from the age of silent movies.
In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus preaches what is known as “The Sermon on the Mount” in which the moral teachings of Christ are explained. The words alone can draw you in and inspire you. It would have been something quite amazing to have been amongst the crowd and have heard this first hand. It inspired people then and still guides and instructs people today.
But Jesus was not simply an enthusiast on his subject, He WAS, and IS, so much more than that!
Mark Timothy
