Greetings, Travelers on the Journey –
Many of us know how it feels when an oppressive power tries to silence us and deny our existence, and the importance of documentation of our lives and history. This documentation can be through the census, art, books, and other artifacts. We are witnessing it in Ukraine as they try to save art and cultural pieces from destruction by Russian troops, the oppression of Uighur Muslims in China, the banning of books and the teaching of Critical Race Theory, the criminalization of bodily autonomy, and the constant attempt to roll back other equality issues.
And we say, “We were and are here. We will not be silenced nor erased.”
As we enter into Palm Sunday and Holy Week, let us think about what must be said, what can’t be silenced. In the Gospel of Luke 19:39-40, the Pharisees, who are in collusion with the Roman Empire, attempt to get Jesus to stop his followers from shouting joyfully and celebrating in the midst of oppression. And Jesus responds if they were silenced, the rocks would still sing. You can’t stop creation.
I look forward to singing loud hosannas with you in person or on Zoom.
With love,
Rev. Michael Cronin