April 10, 2022 + Sunday of the Passion | Palm Sunday + Pr. Craig Mueller
Stones cannot speak. Of course, we know that. Nonetheless, there is a children’s book called If Stones Could Speak. It’s about unlocking the secrets of Stonehenge.
When Jesus rides into Jerusalem there is quite a stir. In fact, the multitude starts singing: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” But to our surprise, the word “hosanna” is not in Luke’s account we read earlier. Instead, the crowd echoes the angels at Jesus’ birth: “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven.”
Some religious leaders tell Jesus to quiet the holy ruckus. It could turn into a political demonstration threatening Rome’s imperial power. But Jesus responds: “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
Stones. Stones. Earlier in Luke’s gospel John the Baptist said that God could raise up from stones children to Abraham. Later Jesus pointed to the temple and said it would be all brought down, stone upon stone.
What do the stones cry out to us this Holy Week? As we hear about rape, torture and indiscriminate killing in Ukraine. Or when word of a suicide, murder, or terminal illness reaches our ears. Words of lament? Or silence when there are no words for such evil or sorrow.
As we listen to the passion and participate in the rituals of this Holy Week, we are brought face to face to what one theologian calls the real world of both “terror” and “beauty.” We know them both in our world and in our lives—terror and beauty. By attending to both we “remain grounded as finite, embodied, earthy and vulnerable beings.” (Don Saliers)
We have waved branches. We have shouted hosanna. The stones now cry out to us. Listen to the story. Let this story of both terror and beauty move you, change you, renew your faith. Follow all the way to the cross. For from our cold, stony hearts, God will bring resurrection.
The stones cry out to us in the story of Jesus’ passion. Jesus cries out. Jesus prays that the cup of suffering would pass from him. A very different kind crowd cries out, demanding Jesus’ death. Though he is innocent of any charge. Crucify him, crucify him, the crowd shouts. And the stones cry out for all those innocently killed through the ages. God’s blood upon the spearhead, God’s love refused again.
When Jesus’ followers ask if they should turn to violence and someone strikes the slave of the high priest and cuts off his ear, Jesus retorts, “no more of this.” And offers the man healing. And the stones cry out.
Listen for what is to come. The women of Jerusalem cry out. They wail and lament for Jesus. And the stones cry out for parents of all who grieve the loss of children due to violence or war.
When they crucify Jesus, his words in return, “father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” And the stones cry out.
When the soldiers scoff at Jesus and one of the criminals derides Jesus, he offers the other thief paradise itself. And the stones cry out.
Finally, Jesus’ final words are a psalm that may have been his bedtime prayer: “Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.” Words on our lips in Compline, the bedtime prayer of the church. Words that we may pray for a good death. And the stones cry out.
The stones cry out that loss is lifted high. That love triumphs. That life is stronger than death. May this passion be ours as well.