I spent Holy Thursday in a very unique way. In a country where prostitution and some drug use is legal, and religion is rarely discussed, I came together with 20,000 Dutch people, some who crossed the entire country, to celebrate the Passion.
It seems odd that the largest event I've been to so far in this country is centered around religion. Odd, but also awesome.
Every year on Holy Thursday, the Passion is reenacted in a city somewhere in the Netherlands. This year, it took place in Groningen. Major Dutch actors and singers come together to put on a concert/musical, where Jesus' passion is retold in a modern light.
Along the main shopping road, stores are given crosses to work into their storefront displays.
On seeing this, I was a bit skeptical of the whole evening. It seems a bit too flashy, too commercial.
Yes, the concert too was flashy. But this, I think, is not necessarily a bad thing. There is something very special to celebrate something so spiritual in a group so large in a very public place, with amazing light displays and moving music (even if it all is in Dutch).
But the night did not start out so hopeful. Rain, of course, was present, and I couldn't see much over the sea of umbrellas. Luckily, when the concert began, people put their umbrellas away, and only the choir was able to remain dry.
On the big screen, we are introduced to Jesus (left) and his friend Peter (right). Jesus and his friends hang out in places around Groningen, from the bowling alley, to celebrating the last supper in the park behind the Martini Tower.
One fateful night, Jesus was praying with his friends in the parking garage, when the police come to arrest him.
Jesus, in an orange prisoner's outfit, awaits to hear his fate.
In a particularly moving portion of the concert, the crowd cheers for the release of Barabbas over Jesus.
As a culmination of the evening, the actual Crucifixion is represented by hundreds of people carrying a giant illuminated cross. These people began their procession from across town, and slowly walked towards the main square as the evening progressed. Some of these people had very sad stories - for example, one man had lost his son that year, but they all explained that God had somehow been there for them throughout that year.
The narrator describes the final hours of Jesus' life.
Of course, we know, this is not the end of the story. The last song was filled with hope and joy. Four giant strobe lights pierce the rain and project a cross on the low hanging clouds. I look around the crowd, soaked through from the rain, and see them smiling, realizing the power of what we have all just witnessed.
That's right - he's back - showing that nothing can conquer love - not even death.
So yes, even though it was flashy, it was a very special night. In a world that is far too afraid of religion, we came together to celebrate something that is truly meaningful and remember that we too are loved beyond our wildest dreams.
If you are curious - you can watch the entire movie of the passion here (although it is all in Dutch). But not to worry - apparently the Passion is coming to New York City next year!
