Why liddat?*



That was my first thought when posts of the Last Supper parody at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony started surfacing on my social feeds.

In the name of tolerance and inclusivity, Christians are told not to deride or degrade others. Why is it that these groups are allowed to do what they expect others not to do?

Why are we supposed to tolerate such mockery when they push the boundaries or draw the lines any which way they choose?

My initial reaction was one of shock and anger.

Shock, because what does this even has to do with a world sporting event? And if this is meant to showcase the host’s culture, what does it actually say or convey?

Anger, because a major event close to my heart and that of Christians, has been made fun of. A sacramental meal which we celebrate to remember the sacrifice of Christ has been turned into an extremely bad joke in utterly bad taste.

After my emotions settled a little, I pondered: What is the right Christian response? Turn the other cheek? Go the extra mile? Love the enemy? How? What would Jesus do?

This parody is not the first and it most certainly will not be the last. Christ was mocked and rejected. As such, we can expect that Christianity will receive the same treatment.

Jesus, after all, warned that as it was done to Him, it will also be done to His disciples. In other words, this is par for the course.

Does it mean we should sit back, say and do nothing? Not exactly. I believe it is right to express our frustration and displeasure. But through the right channels and in the right way.

In Singapore, I believe our authorities will respond appropriately to protect and preserve religious harmony. (I honestly don’t think such a creative proposal would have been approved in the first place.)

However, elsewhere, don’t expect too much. Otherwise, you will most likely find your faith and hope devastatingly betrayed.

At the Last Supper, there was also a betrayal. Knowing what would take place after that meal, and by whom, Jesus still invited and included Judas.

At the Last Supper, Jesus extended His “piece” offering to Judas, His piece of bread.

In Jewish custom, it was a gesture of restoration and reconciliation. If Judas had wanted to be right with Jesus, he would have reciprocated by giving Jesus his piece of bread too. Sadly, he didn’t.

Similarly, in the true spirit of the Last Supper, the invitation to these who mock and deride is still open. Jesus is still inviting and we too must extend the same invitation to all to come to the table of Christ.

All that is needed is repentance and faith in Jesus the Christ – and salvation is certain.

Please do not get me wrong. In no way am I suggesting that we remain naive to think that these parodies are merely harmless, creative expressions. Not at all. Clearly, these are open attacks on our faith.

Yet, in a sense, they can’t help themselves. If so, where then is the need for salvation and deliverance in and through Jesus?

Instead of getting all worked up, I believe the better way is to be reminded that there is so much more work to be done. The world is getting much darker. We can keep blaming the devil or we can hear the desperate cry of humanity in need of the True Light of Jesus.

No need to flip tables. We can turn the tables.

As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper in services this weekend, may the Eucharist remind us of the grace we have received so freely that we may extend the same invitation to others. To the table.

*Singlish for “Why like that?”

This reflection was first published on Pastor Henson Lim’s Facebook page, and is republished with permission.