Lenten Reflection #1

My favorite musical is Jesus Christ Superstar, so imagine my delight and utter joy when, almost two years ago, I was cast in a community production of this 70’s rock opera. The experience, coincidentally, my last theatrical production before I came to seminary, continues to color my personal theological reflections and relationship with God.

One of the more interesting aspects of the production was that we, the chorus, had to fill every crowd scene in the musical. Disciples became the exuberant crowd shouting “Hosannas” who became the den of thieves selling wares in the temple who became the crowd crying for Jesus’ crucifixion. We had multiple costume changes throughout the show to convey the change in persona.

I always thought it was interesting, and somewhat profound, that the same people who danced with the passion that only a rock-opera can convey (see: Hair, Tommy, etc.) would, in 30 minutes time, be the blood-hungry crowd crying demanding the sacrifice of an innocent man. We who cried, “Jesus, I am with you! Jesus I am on your side!” later cried “We have no king but Ceasar! Crucify him!” One minute, we worshipped him. The next, we derided him as he lay on the cross.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem! City that kills its prophets! We are quick to shout for vengeance and slow to remember grace and the true meaning of power and glory. During the show, we changed our clothes depending on who were portraying in that moment. But in real life, we do not have the benefit of a costume change. Our hearts become “quick-change artists” while our outer appearance remains the same.

We are fickle, non-committal, restless, grace-less. We hop on religious bandwagons because it is popular and well-received—or maybe because it’s hip and subversive. Religion becomes a passing fad, like pet rocks and mood-rings, when we follow the crowd and not our hearts. I am not convinced that the people who wished Jesus dead did, in fact, want to kill him. Instead, they gave into the mob-mentality, like sharks on a feeding frenzy.

Christianity is no mere “fad,” were it so, we would still be worshipping trees or the patron deity of our city-state. But it is the inner movements under the umbrella of Christianity that are fleeting, enjoying 15 minutes of fame (or notoriety). How can we be sure that what we believe or support is substantial and not just popular? How can we be certain that we are following God’s, and not humanity’s, intentions? How can we escape the mob-mentality and focus on the message of the gospel which does not guarantee popularity or acceptance? Some questions to ponder during this Lenten season…