The musical Godspell has always fascinated me. A staple that every Broadway fan is closely familiar with, it came as a great surprise to me when I realized the writer behind this musical mainstay was also the writer of my childhood all time favorite, Prince of Egypt.

The goal here is not to theologically reflect on Godspell as a whole but on one particular aspect. Even though the ending has drawn some controversy, I genuinely believe Stephen Schwartz was moved by the story of Jesus Christ (Schwartz himself was born into a Jewish-American family). And the point he makes with his emphasis on community is worth reflecting on for the Christian mind. 

The show ends with Jesus’ death and no explicit resurrection scene. As one can imagine from a Christian perspective, this omission is troubling. Schwartz himself has said the lyrics from the finale, “Prepare Ye” or Jesus’ return at the curtain call can validly be interpreted as his resurrection. But for the musical’s story arc, this is not Schwartz’s intention. For him, it is the power of the community, formed by the teachings and life of Jesus, which empowers them to go forth spreading the Good News.

Often we forget the power of the community's memory and lived witness. Before the Gospels were written, stories were shared. The original witnesses used their memories to share and teach as Jesus did before them. It was the work of the community which continued the ministry of Jesus.

But this continuation is only possible through the initial experience of the resurrected Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room. It is these two acts which allow the community to stay together, to tell the story, and bring forth the Kingdom more presently into the world. Yes, non-Christians can certainly respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the story of Jesus Christ could have still led to some good. However, I argue the witness of Jesus would not have lasted the test of time, would not be so enduring had he not fulfilled his promise of resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.    

Godspell offers us a reminder the early Church did not just fall from the sky. It was made up of a community impacted by the Living Word of God so much, they experienced his story and continued to live it out. However, this can only happen after we have experienced the Risen Christ and have been animated by the Holy Spirit. What does it mean for us to live out our faith having experienced the living Christ?