This Sunday we will mark Palm Sunday, hearing again the ancient story of Jesus entry into Jerusalem and the parade that ensued, palm branches waving in the air and his followers placing their cloaks on the ground. As I read the story over again and again this morning I kept coming back to the last two verses:
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” Luke 19:39-40
Climate Strike, Sackville NB
I kept coming back to these two verses, I think, because the most recent parade/march that I have witnessed are those for climate justice. I am of course thinking of the recent climate strikes by youth across the country and around the world… “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”
And indeed the stones are shouting out… the stones exposed in dried up riverbeds, the stones laid bare by melting glaciers and even the stones cast off in the processing of the tar sands… the stones are shouting out.
Scientific evidence shows that we are heading toward a time when the earth will be at the warmest it has been in recorded history… sea levels are rising at an alarming rate… there is higher risk of storms, floods and wildfires that will radically change ecosystems, and will likely result in food shortages around the world.
Maybe its time we joined the youth and brought our faith to focus on the issue of climate change and our larger relationship with creation? Perhaps there is at least one or two sermons here?
Consider joining us on Sunday as I seek to make connections between walking the Way of Jesus, living in right relationship to creation and a Palm Sunday parade.
‘til then, Lloyd
Looking Ahead
Today I was in the office most of the day. In the morning I lead the final Interfaith: Being Love in the World group and then spent the rest of the day responding to emails and phone calls, reading and writing and making plans for the week.
Tuesday morning I’ll be working from home and then heading up to the funeral of Barb Copp a retired Deaconess of the United Church and member of Chignecto Presbytery.
On Wednesday I look forward to welcoming the participants to the Seniors Wellness Fair and then sharing in a couple of pastoral visits before coming back to the church to share in hosting the youth visiting the Queer Room.
Thursday will see me putting the final touches on the liturgy for Sunday and writing a reflection. Friday and Saturdy will be days off (unless the sermon is still unfinished – highly likely)… and then I look forward to gathering with the two communities of faith to celebrate Palm Sunday! .9am at Upper Sackville United and 11am at Sackville United!!