Finding God's Voice Amidst the Noise: A Palm Sunday Reflection

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant noise in our world? We're constantly bombarded with noise, from smartphone notifications to social media chatter, from traffic sounds to cultural uproars. As we approach Palm Sunday and Holy Week, I reflect on the importance of noise and silence in our faith journey.

The Cacophony of Modern Life

We inhabit a world filled with overwhelming noise. As I mentioned in my sermon, "Digital disturbances arise from incessant push notifications on smartphones and other connected devices. Additionally, informational noise emerges from the vast amount available at our fingertips, whether by searching online or simply asking virtual assistants like Alexa or Siri."

But it's not just technological noise that surrounds us. We're also confronted with:

• The expectation of immediate responses to texts, emails, or social media
  
• Cultural uproar surrounding recent culture wars
  
• Urban noise from traffic, construction, and city life
  
• The relentless "buzz" of consumerism

In short, we live in an extraordinarily loud world.

The Tension in Jerusalem

As we focus on Palm Sunday, it's important to remember that Jerusalem was also a large and loud city, especially during Passover. The atmosphere was tense, much like I experienced during a visit to Belfast, Northern Ireland, during "Marching Season."

"Jerusalem experienced when Jesus entered Jerusalem shortly after committing 'grand theft donkey,'" I reflect. The shouts of praise for Jesus as he entered the city were not just celebratory – they were politically charged and dangerous.

Listening to Silenced Voices

In this noisy world, we must pay attention to the often silenced voices. As I mentioned in my sermon, "Many among us are either afraid to use their voices or fear that their voices will be silenced." This includes immigrants, refugees, those dependent on Medicare, our unhoused neighbors, and even some members of our own congregation who feel their voices aren't heard.

As followers of Christ, we must ask ourselves:

• "When I hear so many voices filling the room, whose voices remain silent? Is that silence voluntary or coerced?"
  
• "Have I remained silent when I should have spoken up?"
  
• "Where are the voices of Hosanna surrounding me, the voices pleading for help?"

The Balance of Noise and Silence in Holy Week

Holy Week offers us a beautiful blend of silence and celebration. While Palm Sunday and Easter are filled with joyful noise, the days in between provide opportunities for quiet reflection.

I encourage you to experience both the noise and the silence of this sacred week:

• Join in the energetic shouts of "Hosanna" and the waving of palms on Palm Sunday
  
• Reflect on the silence of the Upper Room during our Maundy Thursday service
  
• Contemplate the profound silence of Good Friday
  
• Celebrate with joyful cries of "Alleluia" on Easter Sunday

I remind my congregation, "Holy Week isn't just about celebration; it's also about reflection, and we must not overlook the profound silence in the stories that unfold in between."

The Significance of Silence

Let's not forget the power of silence in our faith journey amid the noise. Remember:

• "There's the silence of the Upper Room as the disciples watched with bated breath while Christ broke the bread and poured the cup."
  
• "There's the silence that envelops the Garden of Gethsemane as Jesus heals the wounded ear of the Roman soldier."
  
• "And there's the silence of the cross when God himself dies in an act of political violence."

In these moments of silence, we often find God's presence most profoundly.

Putting It Into Practice

As we journey through Holy Week, I encourage you to reflect on the following:

• Take time each day for silent reflection. Turn off your devices and sit in God's presence.
  
• Listen for the silenced voices in your community. How can you amplify their concerns?
  
• Participate in both the celebratory and contemplative services of Holy Week.
  
• Read Luke 19:29-40 and reflect on the political nature of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
  
• Ask yourself: "If I choose not to speak up, if I choose not to say, 'Hosanna, save me' (or us or them), who will speak up?"

Remember, as we navigate the shouts and silences of Holy Week, "God is there. Wherever the oppressed cry out for justice, God is there. In the places where mercy feels lost, and righteousness seems a naive concept, God is there. And yes, even, and especially in the stillness and silence of death itself, God is there too."

May we all find God's voice amidst the noise this Holy Week.