The One Who Is Different: Commentary on the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony
Charles Declerq
Let us consider the example of “the parody of the Last Supper.” It’s not a parody of the Last Supper at all, but a parody of paintings that interpret the Last Supper, paintings that are just as far removed from what might have really happened, but also, possibly, represent a reinterpretation of Dionysian myths (let’s not forget that the Judeo-Christian tradition itself found inspiration in the mythology of other cultures).
Let’s not forget that when the Gospel writers (except the author of the Gospel attributed to John), who did not know Jesus himself and belong to the 2nd and 3rd generations of disciples, record in their narratives the existence of a meal during a “Last Supper”, they are reporting in their writings a practice of their respective communities, a practice which itself developed from the paschal Jewish seder. It is difficult to describe this meal “historically” when it is described in writings with such a high level of added theological perspective.
I am reacting here as a Catholic priest. As for the alleged disrespect made to Christ through what some have called “a shameful parody of the Last Supper” (especially in the fascist-sphere and the French far right), this manifests a total misunderstanding of the theology of kenosis.
To demonstrate my point, I take an example from a few decades ago, when, in France, an artist scandalized Catholics who subsequently demonstrated violently in protest. What was it all about? The artist had exhibited crucifixes submerged in urine. To which the weekly La Vie had responded through the voice of one of its theologians that the Church Fathers would have seen this as a very theologically symbolic representation of kenosis (Christ empties himself of his divinity in order to humble himself in our humanity) and that it was—in defense of the artist—a true representation of Christ. But the argument was not heard (especially among the most hardcore and conformity-minded).
And yet, in these representations (including yesterday’s), it is the most profound sense of Christianity that is shown; Jesus welcomes sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes and promises them they will go ahead of us into his kingdom. As a Christian, I like to think that Jesus, today, would have surrounded himself with these persons for his last meal. To the great displeasure of the new Pharisees of today!
It is the very essence of Christ’s message and of the Gospel.
And it is an occasion to remember the very heart of the message of Jesus, namely love for all, including our enemies first and foremost. Jesus reminds us that God makes his rain to fall on the good and on the evil, that he welcomes everyone and that we are called to do the same.
And love for others imposes no reciprocity on their part, for if we love those who love us, even the heathen do as much.
And so, let us ourselves rejoice for this “parody” in order to put into practice the message of Christ, and the message of a civilization that claims to take inspiration from it.
And if someone asks for our coat, let’s hand over our tunic as well! It’s very clear and precise, “our traditions” are an invitation to love every man, every woman, and especially every stranger who comes to us from elsewhere, from another religion, from other customs… the one who is different.
The big problem is that many who lay claim to Jesus Christ have not grasped the full depth, intensity, and radical nature of his message.
Over the course of 40 years of priesthood, I discovered that many faithful had all the appropriate words and gestures but were not disciples of Christ and the Gospel. On the other hand, I discovered, in the open spaces and on the steps outside the churches, many persons who weren’t Christians, or “practicing” Christians, who were in fact followers of the Gospel without knowing it.
Charles Declerq is a Catholic priest and journalist. He is a producer and movie critic at RCF - Belgium.