As you read this….I am in Oberammergau!

Ever since I heard of The Passion Play in Oberammergau, I have wanted to see it. I must have imagined a dramatic and faith filled production of
art and culture from a time long gone when people believed in stopping plagues by prayer and promises to the Lord.

But in 1990, my parents went, and I remember my father coming back and saying, “that was disappointing.”

In 2020, the newest plague canceled The Passion Play, and this pilgrimage was pushed back two years. Pilgrims who couldn’t wait two years lost deposits labeled ‘unrefundable’ in the fine print of the registration.

Last month, I watched a video, and found that The Passion Play has been even further updated for modern times. Jesus is portrayed as interested in political reform, and social issues, but a little fuzzy on who he is! And the last supper? Stripped of distinctively Catholic elements, the words of institution are gone and replaced with, “Here, eat this and remember me.” The director said that “religious themes must recede to the background and social come to the fore.”

Expectations, yes, those are diminished! But doesn’t life often bring such?

Our Hope is not for or of this world. The fulfillment we seek cannot be found in this world. “Seek first the kingdom of God, and all other things will be added unto you!”

But I will also enjoy all that is good, true and beautiful in The Passion Play! The spectacle, music, the reenactment of the passion itself, and the script still brings forward many scriptural images of the Old Testament fulfilled in the passion. Not to mention the Bavarian countryside, German beer, and beautiful woodcarvings!

With realistic expectations, I will let the Lord surprise me with whatever gifts He should desire to give. Blessed be the Lord!

Pax,

Father John Mosimann