The Deeper Truth: What Are the Stones Crying Out?
Rev. Erik Swanson
April 13, 2025
The deep emotional and spiritual power found in collective protest directly relates to the story of Palm Sunday. Many of us have experienced the powerful energy that comes from marching with others for a shared cause, where voices rise in unison to proclaim truth. Whether at a Bernie Sanders rally or the recent Hands Off march, the experience of being part of a crowd united in passion and purpose can be transformative. A particularly striking moment from the documentary No Other Land, that many of us watched this past week, featured Palestinians protesting the military takeover of their village. Their courage and the violent response from soldiers underscored the desperation and risks involved in truth-telling under oppression.
The Stones Would Cry Out
This collective energy brings new insight to the Palm Sunday gospel story, where a crowd welcomes Jesus into Jerusalem, proclaiming him as a leader in defiance of Roman and religious authority. When the religious leaders ask Jesus to silence the crowd, he responds, "If these people were silent, the stones would cry out." This statement highlights the idea that divine truth will find a voice, even if people are silenced.
The Contrast Between Religion and Spirituality
There is a clear contrast between religion and spirituality. Religion, like that of the Pharisees, often seeks order and quiet, trying to maintain peace and avoid conflict. Spirituality, on the other hand, stirs something deeper—a fire for justice, courage, and truth. After the No Other Land screening, viewers were deeply disturbed by the suffering of Palestinians and left asking, “What can we do?” This question echoes the feeling of powerlessness that many in Jesus’ crowd may have shared, living under Roman occupation. Yet, they found hope in Jesus and dared to raise their voices, proclaiming a vision of a different world.
Good Trouble
Examining civil rights icon John Lewis and his idea of “good trouble,” we are encouraged to stand up to injustice even when it is risky or uncomfortable. Jesus, too, caused “good trouble,” challenging social norms, laws, and religious expectations. His way was one of deep integrity and spiritual power. The message is clear: we are called not just to follow the rules of society but to respond to the deeper truth and calling of God’s Spirit.
Recognizing and Proclaiming the Deeper Truth
As followers of Jesus, we must recognize and proclaim the deeper truth that lies beneath the surface of worldly events. Jesus wasn’t just a king in the traditional sense—he embodied a deeper spiritual power, a radical love, and an invitation to a transformed way of being. That truth is still calling out to us today, in our communities, lives, and struggles. The stones still cry out, waiting for us to hear and respond.
As Holy Week begins, let us walk through it with open hearts, ready to discover the deeper truth it holds. May we be those who join the procession of our time, lifting our voices for justice, love, and the Way of Christ.
Note: We will have another screening of the film No Other Land on May 29. Please visit the events page on our website for more information.