In ancient Judea a donkey was a very valuable commodity. It was
transportation, it carried loads, and it helped to cultivate the land.
It was often a person’s prized possession. A donkey that had never been
ridden was especially valuable, much like we value a new car that has
never been driven.
Does it surprise us when we read that the unnamed owners of the donkey
willingly gave it up because the Lord was in need? What possessions do
we value? Would we give them up when the Lord asks for them, out of
need?
But then, all of our possessions, all of our valuable commodities, all
of our gifts, already belong to the Lord. They are simply given to us in
trust. Some translations of the instructions Jesus gave to His
disciples read: “If anyone asks why you are taking the donkey, you are
to say ‘Its’ Lord is in need.’”
What gifts have we been given? What gifts might the Lord have need of?
Do we cling to them out of uncertainty or fear, or selfishness? We must
realize that, like the donkey, those gifts may make a difference. Those
small gifts, given back to God may move someone closer to God. So today
as we recall the passion, let us ask ourselves what is our part in our
history of salvation? How can we move Jesus further down the road? What
is our “donkey” and what will we do when the Lord asks for what is His?
Pax Vobiscum
Palm Sunday
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