To readers and visitors who are completely unfamiliar with the account of Jesus Christ’s astounding completion of His mission, I’d suggest it will be well worthwhile watching the dramatic reconstruction of events, as available online for a few weeks (details here). In less than 2 hours discover the heart of Christianity. (See also, Do you know Him?)

Last Sunday I spoke at church to a couple of members of the Wintershall Players about Good Friday’s Passion in Trafalgar Square, as in my earlier post.  Having watched it live we felt the power of the holiness of the re-enactment.  Our minister was there and could testify to the strength of God’s presence in the square.  Nearby, one man wept openly and two men who’d been drinking and chuckling to themselves about the play suddenly stopped, became quiet and even reverential.

The trials by Jewish priests and by Roman governor Pilate as well as the crucifixion were performed at the foot of Nelson’s column. Tourists on board open-topped buses must have been amazed on passing by, taking photos. An ambulance was present for the 3 ‘crucified’ to get warmed up after long exposure to near-freezing temperatures in a bitter wind.

Roger told me he’d asked James Burke-Dunsmore, the actor playing Jesus, “How do you manage to keep smiling through so many shivers?”

“I focus upon my role and a peace just comes upon me”,  was James’ reply.

His focus is most intense during the Way of The Cross, his near-naked walk from the judgement seat of Pilate carrying the heavy cross to Golgotha, the site of crucifixion. This was a done through the crowds on Trafalgar Square, just like in packed ancient Jerusalem. The audience was deeply affected and the soldiers have been instructed to steer anyone who’s moved to come to James’ assistance away from him so he can stay undistracted ‘in the zone’ of deep, contemplation through scriptural prayers well-known to Catholics.

My friend recalled his admiration, after the resurrection, when watching James speak so carefully and warmly to the crowd whilst he watched, measured and responded to individuals’ reactions.

The whole drama of jubilant entry into Israel’s ancient capital, confrontations with the high priest and his delegation in the Temple, betrayal by a close disciple, ‘Last Supper’ to celebrate Passover, night-time arrest and secret trial, judgement by Roman governor, severe scourging, ‘way of sorrows’, crucifixion, death and triumphant resurrection were all so profoundly instructive and moving. Click here to watch and be blessed.

For a gallery of photos see Mail Online, its accompanying text by a secular journalist.