Nothing comes from nothing. No one gives what one does not have. These are some of the self-evident statements that have given me a lot of inspiration and consolation. There is so much beauty in nature. I love doing nature hikes. It is always a thrill for me and Anabelle to walk up a mountain trail and then enjoy the scenic vistas at the top; to tread along the beach and then be lulled by the peace and the rhythmic rolling in of the waves; to trace a path through a forested area and come upon all sorts of flowers; birds and the occasional wild animal. All this beauty did not come from nothing. There must be a Source. I love being with people. It is always a moving experience for me to spend or even waste time with a loved one; to listen to each life story that is unique and non-repeatable; to be touched by the kindness from a complete stranger or to receive help and support from someone when I least expect it; to be cradled in love and caring even deep inside I know I do not deserve it. All this goodness in people cannot be given nor shared unless it was there deep inside the person in the first place. Goodness comes from a Source.
The truth is that all this beauty and goodness come from the same Source. People know this truth in their heart of hearts. And when they do not acknowledge it, the rest of creation does so. One of my favorite scene in “Jesus Christ Superstar” is when JC rebuked the High Priest for telling him to keep his followers from making all the ruckus of proclaiming his goodness:
Why waste your breath moaning at the crowd?
Nothing can be done to stop the shouting
If every tongue were still the noise would still continue
The rocks and stones themselves would start to sing.
Ah, but how come there is also so much ugliness and mess in the world? Why is there pain and suffering, death and separation if the Source is all good and beautiful? This is where the cosmic drama of our salvation unfolds. Jesus on the cross shows us how to face up to and cope with pain and suffering, death and separation. Like him, we can conquer these things through the cross. The exuberance and exultation of Jesus as he made his entry into Jerusalem gives way to the seeming defeat and loss of Good Friday to finally climax in the glory of the Resurrection. This does not sit well with conventional human wisdom but this is the truth that is being proclaimed this Holy Week, beginning with Passion Sunday.
As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed:
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him,
“Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
He said in reply,
“I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”
Luke 19:28-40