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\u2019s prized possession. A donkey that had never been ridden was especially valuable, much like we value a new car that has never been driven.<\/p>\n
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?<\/p>\n
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: \u201cIf anyone asks why you are taking the donkey, you are to say \u2018Its\u2019 Lord is in need.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u201cdonkey\u201d and what will we do when the Lord asks for what is His?<\/p>\n
Pax Vobiscum
Palm Sunday <\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"