Sr Susie O’Rawe OP
Palm Sunday
A Gospel of Hope and Truth: A Call to Courage and Justice
As we come closer to Holy Week, Jesus is coming to the end of his journey and the completion of his own mission. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, the poor and oppressed and his own disciples – those to whom he had given so much hope – cried out, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” When the Pharisees asked Jesus to silence them, he replied, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
This moment captures the profound truth of Jesus’s ministry. By refusing to silence the crowd, Jesus highlights the power of confronting injustice and advocating for change. It is a reminder that those who are willing to cry out about the world’s brokenness are often the ones prepared to work toward healing and transformation. The imagery of stones ‘shouting out’ signifies that creation itself is compelled to proclaim God’s glory, reflecting the nature of divine truth and its deep connection with all creation.
In this Gospel, there is no ambiguity about the outcome of Jesus’s mission. Those cheering him on would soon turn against him and he would be crucified. His unwavering commitment to justice and truth ensures that even in the face of opposition, the message of God’s work will prevail.
In today’s world, where democracy is increasingly being challenged and eroded on many levels, this passage serves as a powerful call to action: to bear witness with courage and openness. It assures us that the truth of God’s power and goodness cannot be silenced—if human voices are muted, even the earth itself will cry out. We are being invited by Jesus into the world of advocating for the poor and marginalized. This invitation does not simply ask us to be present—it calls us to truly engage. Such engagement comes at a personal cost, as it demands courage and the willingness to turn up and stand firm.
The legendary activist Joanna Macy, now 95 years old, once said, “If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.” Let us make room for all of humanity at the table and summon the strength of spirit to continue to persevere with hope and faith.