Gather around, students. The lesson of the day is about the spirituality of The Masters Golf Tournament. It is no accident that one of the world’s favorite sporting events happens on Easter weekend, the most important holy day on the Christian calendar. This is as it should be. The Masters Golf Tournament is replete with images of perfection. Begin with the course itself in Augusta, Georgia in springtime. Next to the biblical Eden there is no more beautiful garden on earth on this magical weekend. Some might argue that the Augusta National is even better than Eden. There is no snake there! The azaleas are stunningly beautiful, the grass is never greener, and the air is freshest when the Masters is kicked off. The fairways are perfectly mown and the greens are exquisitely manicured. The ideal shape is at the heart of the game—a circle. The round hole into which the ball is hit is the goal. The ball is a sphere. The dimples on the surface of the ball are round as well. This year the starter of the tournament was perfect too. The game’s beloved Arnold Palmer, now 80 years old, struck the first ball to launch the tourney. Arnie always wears a big smile and brings smiles to all those who love the game. Even the commercials on the broadcast are few and far between. The hints of spiritual dimensions are plain.

     There’s more. When Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods made their final round surge and appeared to be seizing the day, finally they flubbed things at the end. This is a reminder of a biblical truism. When the final word is written, we see how the mighty are fallen. And who doesn’t applaud when an underdog emerges as the winner? Especially, when the winner is a super stocky, middle-aged guy from Argentina whose name is Angel? It all makes you wonder.

     Ah, but there’s more. One of the architectural features of the golf course is named “Amen Corner.” It is comprised of the second shot at the 11th hole, all of the 12th, and the tee shot 13th hole. Everyone most go through “Amen Corner” en route to the finish. This part of the course was dubbed “Amen Corner” by Herbert Warren Wind in a 1958 Sports Illustrated article. In that stroke of a pen, he guaranteed the survival of a relic of southern church culture all but forgotten in modern times. Unless you are an elder among church members and remember this feature of old-time churches, I am here to educate you about the “Amen Corner.” Survey the southern landscape and note the tiny clapboard churches. Many are one room buildings, painted white. Stop in and if the church is open, take a look at the design of the sanctuary. In the center of the chancel area you will see the pulpit on a raised platform. Then to one side, approximately beside the pulpit but on the main floor level is a space. It may still have a pew or two in it. This is the “Amen Corner.” In early times it was the place reserved for persons leading the congregational responses to the worship. As the choir sang, prayers were spoken and the sermon preached, the folk in the “Amen Corner” would shout their “amens” as a way of affirming what was happening and encouraging the congregation to join in.

     “Amen” is a Hebrew word which means: “So be it!” It has counterparts in other religious traditions including Islam and Hinduism. But it has an especially rich heritage in southern, Christian worship. And the “Amen Corner” is the place where, when things are deemed true, the shouts of affirmation and joy begin to rise—and you know you are in church! Hooray for the Masters golf tournament for keeping alive the concept of the “Amen Corner” with the roars of celebration that roll forth each year! It’s a place that encourages golfing competitors to pray—especially while playing on Easter Sunday!

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