Fr Lawrence Ogundipe SDV
Every Good Friday across Nigeria, our parishes and communities gather to witness the Passion Play. It is one of the most powerful moments in our Lenten journey. Drums fall silent. The church grows still. The faithful come with hearts ready to remember the passion of Christ.
But we must gently remind ourselves, especially our vibrant and gifted youth, that the Passion Play is not a stage for comedy. It is not a place for exaggeration or careless acting. It is the sacred retelling of the suffering, death, and saving love of Christ.
When the Passion Play is done prayerfully and reverently, it becomes more than acting. It becomes preaching without a pulpit. Many people who may not listen to a long sermon will watch the Passion and be deeply moved. Some will remember their sins. Some will feel the call to confession. Some will quietly decide to return to God.
This is the spiritual power of the Passion Play.
My dear young people, you are blessed with energy, creativity, and talent. The Church needs you. But Good Friday is not the day to entertain the crowd. It is the day to help the people of God encounter the suffering Christ.
When Jesus falls under the cross, let it touch hearts.
When Mary weeps, let the people feel her sorrow.
When Jesus is crucified, let there be holy silence, not laughter.
If we turn the Passion into mere entertainment, we risk losing its soul. We risk making light of what cost our Savior everything.
Let us also pay attention to the practical details that protect the dignity of the play. Use appropriate and modest costumes that reflect the sacred moment. Avoid dressing in ways that distract the faithful. Let the person who plays Jesus carry himself with prayerful composure even before the drama begins.
Sound matters too. Good and clear sound effects help the congregation to follow the story and enter into prayer. Poor sound or unnecessary noise can break the spirit of recollection. Let every music, every spoken word, and every moment of silence serve the mystery we are celebrating.
Preparation is also part of the spirituality. Pray together before rehearsals. Reflect on the Gospel passages. Remember that you are not just performers. You are ministers helping to evangelize through drama.
If the Passion Play is done well, it will preach loudly without shouting. It will move hearts without forcing emotions. It will lead sinners gently back to confession. It will help the faithful appreciate more deeply the price of our redemption.
Dear youth of our parishes, Good Friday is holy ground. Walk on it with reverence. Act on it with prayer. Present the Passion of Jesus with dignity.
When we do this faithfully, the people of God will not leave entertained. They will leave transformed.
May the suffering Christ guide all who prepare and perform the Passion Play this Good Friday.
Be A Saint
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