O Auto Da Compadecida May 2026

Written by Ariano Suassuna in 1955, this "auto" (a one-act play inspired by medieval morality plays) is a collision of opposites. It is high theology and low slapstick. It is a story about starving outcasts that feels like a carnival. It is, in essence, the Divine Comedy rewritten by a stand-up comedian from the sertão (Brazil’s harsh backlands).

Most comedies age poorly. O Auto da Compadecida has only grown sharper. In 2000, director Guel Arraes turned it into a film that broke box office records and became a television staple. Brazilians quote it the way Americans quote The Princess Bride —every line is a meme. (“I don’t know, I just guessed!” / “Não sei, foi palpite!” ) o auto da compadecida

When João Grilo dies, Chicó weeps. But the play refuses tragedy. Instead, it resurrects João through sheer narrative will. Because in the sertão, as in life, the story must go on. Written by Ariano Suassuna in 1955, this "auto"

If you want to understand Brazil, forget the postcards of Sugarloaf Mountain or the samba of Rio’s carnival for a moment. Instead, sit down in a dusty plaza of the Brazilian Northeast. Listen for the sound of a goat bleating, a wallet being lifted, and two friends arguing over who gets to die richer. That is the world of O Auto da Compadecida —a story so wildly funny, so theologically audacious, and so deeply human that it has become a secular scripture for millions. It is, in essence, the Divine Comedy rewritten

At its heart are two of the greatest con artists in literary history: João Grilo (the shrewd, fast-talking schemer) and Chicó (the cowardly, romantic liar). They are not heroes. They steal chickens, fake deaths, and manipulate everyone from parish priests to bandits. And yet, they are utterly lovable because they embody esperteza —a Brazilian survival instinct. In a world where the rich are cruel and the Church is corrupt, lying isn’t a sin; it’s a currency.

But its staying power isn’t just nostalgia. In a polarized, anxious era, Suassuna’s vision offers a radical antidote. He shows that dignity is not the property of the powerful. He shows that cleverness is a form of survival. And most importantly, he shows that death—the ultimate terror—can be faced with a laugh and a prayer.

The trial dismantles the idea of a punitive, distant God. Suassuna—a deeply Catholic writer rooted in folk culture—presents a God of compaixão (compassion). Grace is not earned; it is given because life on Earth is already hard enough. As Mary famously says: "It’s a very difficult thing to be human."

Bibliography:

Old Believer Sermon for the 25th Sunday after Pentecost (unpublished)

“Drops From the Living Water”, Bishop Augustinos

“The One Thing Needful”, Archbishop Andrei of Novo-Diveevo – Pp. 146-148

“Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke”, St. Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria, Pp. 287-290

“The Parable of the Good Samaritan”, Parish life, Fr Victor Potapov. Also available at http://www.stohndc.org/parables

[1] This homily was transcribed from one given On November 11, 1996 according to the church calendar (11/24 ns), being the Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, and the day appointed for the commemoration Holy Martyrs Menas of Egypt, Victor and Stephanida at Damascus and Vincent of Spain The Epistle reading appointed is Ephesians Eph 4:1-6, and the Gospel is Luke 10:25-37. There are some stylistic changes and minor corrections made and several footnotes have been added, but otherwise, it is essentially in a colloquial, “spoken” style. It is hoped that something in these words will help and edify the reader, but a sermon read from a page cannot enlighten a soul as much as attendance and reverent worship at the Vigil service, which prepares the soul for the Holy Liturgy, and the hearing of the scriptures and the preaching of them in the context of the Holy Divine Liturgy. In such circumstances the soul is enlightened much more than when words are read on a page.

[2] Luke 8:41-56 (read on the 24^th Sunday after Pentecost)

[3] Luke 10:25

[4] Luke 11:42

[5] The Reading appointed for Martyr Menas and the other martyrs is Matthew 10:32-33,37-38,19:27-30. At the end of the reading, Christ says: “Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” (Matthew 19:28-29).

[6] The story of the Rich man and Lazarus is in Luke 16:19-31, and is read on the 16^th Sunday after Pentecost. The rich man, in hell, wanting to save his brothers, has the following discussion with the Holy Prophet Abraham: “I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 19:27-31)

[7] Luke 10:26-27 (cf. Duet 6:5: “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

[8] Mark 12:31

[9] John 13:34-35

[10] Luke 10:28

[11] Cf. Matthew 18:22. This expression, “seventy times seven” is an indication of an infinite number.

[12] Luke 10:29

[13] Luke 10:30

[14] Psalm 48:1-2

[15] Luke 10:31-32

[16] Luke 10:33

[17] Luke 10:34

[18] The Gospel for the 24^th Sunday after Pentecost, read the preceding week, is Luke 8:41-56. It tells the story of the healing of the woman with an issue of blood, and the raising of Jairus’ daughter.

[19] John 14:2-3

[20] John 15:14-17

[21] Matthew 11:29-30

[22] Matthew 7:13-14

[23] Matthew 7:21

[24] Matthew 10:32-33

[25] Luke 10:35

[26] Cf. 1 Cor. 3:6 “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

[27] Cf. Mark 9:41 “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.”