It began with the applause and parade of Palm Sunday as Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. Though He had often admonished those He healed to keep quiet about who He was, this time Jesus allowed the crowd to cheer. They shouted the phrase of a familiar psalm and echoed the angel’s song from His birth. “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Their praise moved past mere talk. “Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields”(Mk 11:8). Cloaks were important possessions in those days, providing comfort and security, and yet gladly, willingly, and without reservation, the people shed them and spread them—not wanting even the feet of the colt carrying the King to touch the common dirt.
The unbelieving detractors didn’t think Jesus deserved the acclaim and wanted Him to hush His disciples and silence the crowd, but this divine moment would not be missed. “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out,” Jesus replied, and so the exultant procession moved toward town.
Holy Week has arrived. If ever there was a time for followers of Christ to find their voices, such would be now. Some might want us to be silent, but open your mouth and offer your praise. We should shout with passion the words of an 80’s praise song (even if its poor grammar makes us cringe.) “Ain’t no rock gonna cry in my place! As long as I’m alive, I’ll glorify His holy name!”
Be gentle. Be kind. Be loving.
But don’t be quiet.
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