Stones Cry Out

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:28-40

Today I return to Jamestown. The Deacons will be holding their opening service there. I cannot return to Jamestown without feeling as if I am surrounded by the ancestors. Voices whispering in my ears of what began here, in such humbled and well intentioned ways, became a beginning of the destruction of people across the continent. The stones and the ground cries out, both in joy and great sorrow. The memories and the blood stay long after the people are completely gone.

Jesus is getting ready for his final days, and he is fully aware of the portent and the trauma to come. His entry into Jerusalem begins his passion, the ending of one way of understanding God's love, and the beginning of a completely new way. The people around are filled by excitement and joy. Their understanding is limited but they are witnessing the birth of a new world. God invites us to rejoice when we are part of a new birth or re-birth and to remember that our small place in time is remembered by living God, a compassionate creator that enlivens even the rocks, trees and stones.

Today I ask God to help me return to Jamestown carrying a message of hope. May we remember that God's love and justice are in our grasp. May we always be messengers for healing in this world. May we always carry that Palm Sunday rejoicing as we move through hard and broken places. And may we hear the voices of the ancestors crying for justice and healing, responding with active service and true compassion.