The Yearning in the Human Heart…

The older I get the more I am convinced that people are essentially spiritual and yearn for spiritual depth, meaning and hope in their lives. I think that in an overtly materialistic world it is more so the case. There is something within the human being that yearns for the spiritual and attached to that yearning is meaning, purpose, hope and love. When I speak about ‘spiritual’ I am not placing any specific form on that word because whilst there may be a yearning for spirituality, any such search often takes people away from organised religions. They offer their systems of belief rather than a way of life that runs deep and quenches the inner thirst of spirit. Perhaps the God of which I speak is actually over there? In times of crisis, grief and uncertainty, people I have met long for that which touches their inner being and brings hope. Such moments take us deeper than the more superficial elements of our life – work, house, possessions and bank balance, education, status, power and so on. Such moments of crisis or ongoing struggle confront us with the non-material realities of life that stir our souls and inner being. What is real? What is true? What is hopeful? Where is love and joy and peace? What is really important? Some people are very clear about these things. Their lives are lived on the very edge of being, tested and strained to breaking point by poverty, illness, emotional pain or oppressive danger. They know what is important and what is clearly superficial and transient. Food for the day, water to drink, a place to sleep in safety, people to share the struggle with – a community or family that can stand together – and something or someone beyond them who might offer liberation and release – hope! For others of us it is more at points of stress or pain that we confront something of the futility of life as it is lived and what we are told is ‘true and good for us.’ When my world comes crashing down what good is ambition or status or education or money or any other material thing in which I may have placed all my trust and hope? Beyond the struggles of life, though, there are other ‘symptoms’ of our endless search for spiritual meaning as we seek to be filled with awe and wonder. I feel awe and wonder when touched deeply in my being, my soul. I gaze into the sunset as the colours flare through reds, pinks and oranges, burning up the sky in brilliant beauty. I feel awe and wonder when I look into the garden with its flowers and trees and diverse beauty or into the local creek as it twists and turns to the sounds of birdsong. I feel awe and wonder when moved by the beauty of a melody or song that lifts my spirit. The simple meal around a table with family and friends sharing stories and laughter or the occasional tears and pain. I feel awe and wonder in the profound lives of people who give their all for the sake of others, the common good, justice, peace and the well-being of the world. The martyrdom of Martin Luther King jr, Romero, Bonhoeffer and others moves me, inspires me and lifts my vision. When I see the simple smile of the children from the impoverished communities, too poor to own shoes and living extremely simply, I am moved, touched and connected to something deeper. (So, it seems to me a little off-putting when we can attach a word such as ‘awesome’ to the more mundane things of life such as the possibility of a fast food meal, a new toy or a football match.) This week we celebrate that which is commonly called ‘Palm Sunday’. This year we read Luke’s version (Luke 19:28-40). It’s a strange story as it describes Jesus riding into Jerusalem, the holy city of religious power, on a humble donkey. As he rides, the people, ordinary crowds of lowly people disenfranchised by the system – both Roman and Jewish Religion – gather and sing a song of welcome to the king. Jesus is hailed as a King but has nothing of the detritus of kingship. He has no crown, no sword or spear, no temporal power or authority, no temporal wealth. He comes humbly on a donkey and the lowly hail him as their king. He has listened, engaged, healed, and spoken hope into the mess of their lives. He has told them that God loves them and that this love looks different from what they sometimes imagine because it comes unconditionally. He told stories where the little ones are lifted up into God’s presence whilst the powerful are cast aside, even as they cast the little ones aside in the haste and lust to gain even more. What I missed for many years was the story of power that we don’t hear in the Bible, it being more concerned with the counter-story, this prophetic alternative. The story of power runs like this. Pontius Pilate, the Governor of Judea, always came into the holy city of Jerusalem at Passover. It was a time of celebration but offered hope to subversive voices who sought to stir up trouble amongst the plethora of pilgrims flooding into the city. Pilate Reflection Notes – 13/4/25 Palm Sunday – Geoff Stevenson was Caesar’s representative and came with the power, might and flourish of Rome. A great stallion, a war horse, held Pilate high. He was surrounded by soldiers, on horseback and foot. The clanging of swords, spears, shields, the weapons of war and symbols of military might. Trumpets and heralds broadcast his presence and everyone bowed – everyone who valued their life, at any rate. This was a show of power, a threatening show of power to demonstrate who is boss and to warn troublemakers off. Pilate represents Rome, the most powerful power in their world. Jesus’ simple parade with songs of praise looks meagre, although perhaps more people gathered? Despite Rome’s overwhelming show of power and the demonstration of might, the people yearned for this simple rabbi and what he offered through story and gracious love. The people longed for what he said and promised even though there didn’t seem to be the remotest possibility of him delivering. This was a simple man against the might of Rome. All he had was love and the belief that God was in this and in and through him. He had passion for the way of God and lived it thoroughly before the powers of the world. He followed his passion to the end and hung on a cross, dying because of love and hope, and God’s Reign in the world – and invites us to join his song, his dance, his parade. The people felt it, saw it, believed it but it couldn’t be grasped and held onto. They only could get in line with this One and walk in the Way. It got into them and filled them with awe and yearning of the spirit for the Spirit. Eyes become open to another hope, another way, a realm within the world where God reigns in love and grace. Sometimes we have a name and framework for this awe and wonder that fills our soul and sometimes we just yearn to know it more clearly.