Jesus has Entered the City!

Okay, some news stories are just crazy quirky. Apparently Jesus almost didn't make it to the streets of Toronto today. A parade called Jesus in the City was scheduled for August but permit problems pushed it on to this weekend. Then the organizers couldn't come up with the $14,000 for the paid-duty police officers. Apparently there are still money-changers --or grabbers-- in the temple. To be fair the police department reduced the fee by eight thousand and now it will take place.

I didn't realize that this parade has been happening for a few years and attracts up to 10,000 participants. While it may seem unusual to some there is a lot to be said for humans walking and marching together to demonstrate what is important to them. There are so many examples of groups marching for political and human rights and, yes, religious causes through the centuries. Often they do so at considerable personal risk, with civil rights marches in the States during the 50's and 60's being an example. Another is Gandhi's 400-kilometre Salt March in 1930. Communities around the world now hold Pride Parades to make a statement about gender equality. I walked with my family in large marches protesting the invasion of Iraq while in Halifax. And actually I took part in a Jesus parade in Hamilton back in the 1980's. The Jesus Festival that year included presentations by Jean Vanier, members of the Taize community, and Jim Wallis of Sojourners.

I have no idea what the tone of the Jesus in the City Parade is, but there is certainly a precedent. Jesus took part in what was the original Jesus in the City parade on Palm Sunday nearly two thousand years ago.

Authorities then must have been keeping a watchful eye on Jesus and the crowds which paid him tribute. You never know what a guy like this might be up to. Didn't he quote this from Isaiah?

 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free..."

 

I would certainly have the police keep their eye on that suspicious character.

 

Comments?