The Stones Would Shout

After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.'” So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord needs it.” Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power 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 heaven!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” Luke 19:28-40 

When love comes to town, it's impossible not to shout for joy, laugh and dance and sing. Our elsest grandchild is with us, and though our lives are normally slower and quieter, our house is filled with movement and noise. It is what love does to all of us, transforming our beings into loud, wonderful instruments of celebration. Days like these pass too quickly so we might as well make an abundance of memories along with the noise.

Jesus makes his final entrance into Jerusalem and the crowds greet him with such joy and enthusiasm. His touch and voice have transformed so many along the way that they cannot help but show up and make noise. Poor and destitute, side by side with the wealthy, rejoicing in their beloved friend, the one who understands and has compassion for them all. God invites us to live this way, rejoicing in the love and healing we have been given whiel sharing it with others, no matter their status in life.

Today, I ask God to help me live the love I have been given. May the stones never have to shout because we are all living the love we have been given.