Easter makes Christians do crazy things. Like giving up beer or chalking enormous Jesus faces on parking lots.
Right now, Easter is making 30 or so cross-bearing Christians march down Harry Hines Boulevard en route to Plano.
"We started at Pandora's strip club," says Justin Bass, pastor of 1042 Church in The Colony and the leader of the pilgrimage.
Not the typical spot for a church gathering, but a statement, Bass says, that the church welcomes the poor and downtrodden, just as the destination (The Shops at Legacy) is a statement that it also accepts rich people.
See also: In Grapevine, a Record-Setting Chalk Portrait of Jesus' Face
The pilgrims, about half Protestant, half Catholic, set off at 9 a.m., about when Jesus would have been nailed to the cross. They'll pause to rest and read the Bible at noon (darkness comes over the land), 3 p.m. (Jesus breathes his last) and 6 p.m. (his body is placed inside the tomb).
This isn't a full-fledged re-enactment of the original Good Friday. No 9-inch nails or vinegar-soaked sponges. The crosses, while light enough for Bass to answer his cell phone, are nonetheless heavy enough (10 pounds) to be a pain to carry 25 miles.
The small throng has gotten some quizzical looks, but the response so far has been "overwhelmingly positive," Bass says as a car honks appreciatively in the background. Lots of honks, plus some smiles and friendly waves.
Bass expects to arrive at The Shops at Legacy around 7 or 8 p.m.
Send your story tips to the author, Eric Nicholson.
