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Image: Even The Stones Cry Out by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman Inspired by Luke 19:28-40

Digital painting with photo collage

“I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  Luke 19:40 

As Jesus enters Jerusalem welcomed as a king, his disciples joyfully praise God for all the miracles they had seen. In her Full to the Brim commentary, Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt writes: “When the Pharisees ask Jesus to order his disciples to stop their expressions of joy in Luke 19, Jesus tells them, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.’ What they’re feeling is too important, the kind of thing that just has to come out regardless of whether or not it makes others uncomfortable. The discomfort of others is often not enough of a reason to keep the silence. Expressing our joys, telling our truths, asking the questions we need to ask, repenting and making amends, being our honest and authentic selves—these things are too important to be silent.”  

Palm Sunday begins with shouting hosannas and waving palms but the story continues to Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. As we journey through Holy Week, where do we need to cry out like the stones for justice, confession, forgiveness, mercy, and grace?  

Holy Week provides a place for us to process and give voice to all we need to say and hear. We need to hear the whole story of cross and resurrection. Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday prepare our hearts and bring meaning to the good news of Jesus’ grace. Join us for Holy Week worship so together we can authentically rejoice and joyfully sing Alleluia on Easter Sunday! 

Worshipfully, Pastor Andrea