by Rita Piro
We are rounding the clubhouse turn. We are opening up our stance. We can see the finish line growing closer and closer with every gallop along the way. Welcome to Palm Sunday! Soon, the blare of trumpets will sound in the winner’s circle, and our prize will be for all.
It is the resurrection of Christ, our saviour. Horse racing references are not with- out intent here. In the time of Jesus, horses symbolized wealth, dominance, and subjugation. The horse was the animal of war and violence, adorned with grandeur, ready to do battle among warriors and kings.
The lowly donkey, on the other hand, the traditional “beast of burden,” was considered the animal of peace, unity, and friendship. The steady, faithful friend of the common man. Any man, king or peasant alike, who came riding on a donkey was seen as a symbol of gentleness, humility, and service.
Donkeys were used as work animals and not for battle or paraded around for show. The Gospel for Palm Sunday (Lk 19:28) tells us that Jesus instructed two disciples to “Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here.”
This particular donkey in the Gospel has been charged with a monumental task. This sturdy little fellow will be carrying Jesus into the Holy City (Jerusalem), allowing its citizens to experience firsthand the Prince of Peace and King of Glory, the titles by which they immediately recognize him.
Through this act is fulfilled the passage, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech 9:9). This donkey is carrying the living, loving God for all to behold. The donkey provided support for ordinary people.
By riding a donkey into Jerusalem, Jesus demonstrated that he came to serve all people, especially the lowliest among us. Regarding the donkey, Jesus further tells us in that same Gospel passage, “And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.’ ”
The master has need of us, too. Like the donkey of Palm Sunday, we are all called to carry Jesus to others. The way we act, speak, look, and even think must always reflect Jesus, his ways, and his teachings. Whether or not we consider it a burden to do so is up to us.
Rita E. Piro has been a teacher, chairperson, and admissions director at The Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates for 36 years and is an award-winning member of the Catholic Media Association.