By Rita Piro
In many parts of the world right now parishes, towns, villages and even whole cities are preparing for the presentation of their annual Passion Play/ Easter Pageant. First staged in 1634, the well-known Passion Play of Oberammergau in Bavaria, Germany began the tradition of the live reenactment of the final period of Jesus’ life from his arrival to Jerusalem to his crucifixion. In the United States, the Park Performing Arts Center in Union City, N.J. is home to the longest running Passion Play in America.
While some Passion Plays are professional or semi-professional, most are local parish and community-based. For those wishing to take part in an endeavor such as this, here’s some advice: Don’t settle for any of those usual roles such as Jesus, Judas or Mary Magdalene. They’re overrated. Instead, go all out for the part of a lifetime, the role with real star power, the role that will influence the world for generations to come.
Be the donkey. Yes, the donkey. You know, the one that carried Jesus into Jerusalem. The Gospels tell us that Jesus instructed two disciples to “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me.’”
If you’re fortunate enough to be in a production that has to improvise, you’ve got it made. Put on your best gray suit, polish your black patent leather shoes, pin a tail to your pants, throw your brightest colored blanket on your back and you’ll be set for stardom.
All silliness aside, the donkey, often counted among lowliest of animals, can truly speak to us of greatness not only on Palm Sunday, but every day.
In the time of Jesus, the horse was the animal of war and violence, used by warriors and kings ready to do battle. Horses also symbolized wealth, dominance, subjugation. The donkey, on the other hand, was considered the animal of peace, unity and friendship, the steady, faithful friend of the common man. Any man, king or peasant alike, who came riding on a donkey was seen as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
This particular donkey mentioned in the Gospels has been charged with a monumental task. This sturdy little fellow will be carrying Jesus into the Holy City, allowing its citizens to experience firsthand the Prince of Peace and King of Glory.
Through this act is fulfilled the Old Testament passage, “Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass.” (Zach 9:9) This donkey is carrying the living, loving God for all to behold.
Regarding the donkey, Jesus further tells us in the Gospels, “And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’”
The master has need of us, too. Like the donkey of Palm Sunday, we are all called to carry Jesus to others. The way we act, speak, look and even think should always reflect Jesus, His ways and teachings.
Whether or not we consider it a burden to do so is up to us.
