In June 1990 (21 years ago! – how time flies…) I had the privilege of going on a trip to Austria to see the Oberammergau Passion Play. This is a musical Easter drama which has been performed in the little village of Oberammergau every ten years since the 1630’s, to fulfill a vow made by the villagers when a plague was ravaging the area. (Follow the link to see, hear, read more.)
The play, now performed repeatedly over the course of five months in the first year of each decade, involves over 2,000 performers, musicians, and stage technicians, all residents of the village. The play runs through a whole day, with a break for a meal.
There is a reason why, among all the things I could say about it, I mention the break for a meal. Because that’s when I saw Jesus ride a bicycle. At lunch break, going home for a meal, before getting on with his job of saving the world.
Even if I had not been lucky enough to catch it with my camera, I’m pretty sure that image would have stuck with me through the years. Because that’s just so like him.
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table.
Luke 22:14-21
Jesus is the best "J" ever. I would love to see the Oberammergau Passion Play. I remember my Grandmother having a view master with slides from the Passion Play taken in the 1950's.
ReplyDeleteAn Arkies Musings
Marvelous post for the J Day! I've read and seen so much about the Oberammergau Passion Play. We had hoped to go there while living in Germany, but it didn't work out. Love your photos!!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
ABC Team
I love your J.
ReplyDeletePlease come and meet the J's in my Family, hope to see you around, thanks!
I agree with Richie, this is by far the best J ever.
ReplyDeleteThe passion Play is something I have always wanted to see but probably never will. thanks for the post.
I've heard of this play. Did you take that first picture there? The last picture is amazing, how very cool!!!
ReplyDeletewell, Jesus would be ecologically sensitive, I'd think!
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
The first picture is one I found on the internet, probably from the 2010 play. The second (with the 1990 actors) is from a postcard I bought when I was there. The third is my own photo.
ReplyDeletegreat story Monica. and seeing Him on the bike, wow. the most moving passion play i ever saw is about and hour drive from us in Wachula FL it is awesome. check it out here, don't know how to make this a link so copy and paste. http://www.storyofjesus.com/
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this. Sounds like an experience of a life time and seeing Jesus on a bike....well, that just proves it.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this play. As for Jesus riding his bike....I am sure Jesus would want to be out and about with the people!
ReplyDeleteJane x
That would certainly seem like such a surprise to see Jesus on a bicycle soon after seeing him on stage.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite the thing when I was young to have seen the Oberammergau Passion Play. It ranked with going to Bayreuth for Wagner and the Salzburg Festival for Mozart.
ReplyDeleteLike the capture of Eco-friendly Jesus on the bike to catch a bite!!
ReplyDeleteMy J Post