Murphy the Donkey comes to church

Murphy the Donkey came to church this Sunday! He is the sweetest chocolate donkey that has ever led a Palm Sunday procession -- in my life, at least. When I first saw Murphy, I was struck with how humble he was. He was calm and peaceful in a crowd of adults, even kids in choir robes and ruffs, all excited about our role in the procession across the green with our African palm crosses and singing, in anticipation of this celebration and story of Jesus’ triumphal entry. His owner led Murphy at a respectable pace, and not much sound came from either of them. Murphy had been groomed to perfection -- his long chocolate coat was so smooth. His hooves had even been polished and were shiny as a mirror! He was totally focused on his task and kept his eyes averted in a bashful, unassuming way.

The study notes in my NIV for Matthew 21.2 reveal the donkey is ‘…an animal symbolic of humility, peace, and Davidic royalty…’ To be honest, I had not noticed the detail the Gospel accounts go into with regards to Jesus’ precise instructions for the kind of animal he wanted to carry him on his final journey into Jerusalem. Jesus had specified to his disciples that they acquire a young donkey colt, one that had never been yoked or used as a beast of burden. I’ve made several trips to the Grand Canyon, and can these animals pack it going down and back up the canyon trails, with human cargo on their backs! But Jesus did not want an animal that had been broken in. He was paying attention to the prophecies in the Old Testament scriptures, clues that would help his disciples ‘get it’ after he had fulfilled God’s will on the Cross and had arisen from the tomb. A young donkey that had yet to sweat and toil, or become damaged by a yoke, was symbolic of animals led to the altar to be offered for sacrifice. The donkey Jesus wanted would be dignified and gracious in demeanour – like Murphy – a solemn reminder in a jubilant crowd that Jesus was on his way to bear our burdens on the Cross.

As Murphy approached the door to the church, and we all took our places inside, it became silent as Murphy’s owner gently led him down the aisle, stopping a few hoof paces from the altar. I understand that Murphy has had a little practice. On Palm Sunday last year, he did not know what to do when he got to the church door. He planted his hooves and refused to go inside, because he had never been indoors. The congregation waited inside the church, holding their collective breath, but with some coaxing and promises that he would be safe he made his first trip to the altar. This year, he had a bit more confidence and did not hesitate to come in and go down the aisle. In a few weak moments of uncertainty, though, he would lean on his owner’s arm and nuzzle. (I wonder if the owner of the donkey that carried Jesus groomed that animal and polished its hooves as attentively as Murphy’s owner had?) But he made it through the priest’s welcome, and even seemed to understand the blessing! He is a blesséd beast indeed, as his trips to the altar are numerous and only role-playing …

With Murphy, I learn that Jesus’ demeanour throughout the Holy Week was one of humbleness with dignity. His actions do not try to prove his importance as a person, or his station as a religious celebrity. He does not demand any perks with his position. He anticipates the suffering he will endure at the same time he seeks to instruct and minister to his disciples and loved ones. As he puts his affairs in order, his focus on others – be it individuals or a group – is so caring, so amazing!

Well, bedtime for Debzo zoomed past a while ago. Guess that means it is now Maundy Thursday. So, as Maundy Thursday yearns towards Spring's early daylight, I am soon to be reminded of yet another act of humble kindness my Lord performed: washing his followers’ dry, dusty, dirty, and tired feet.

I sure would like to know how to wash and buff Murphy’s hooves to get them so shiny! But there are some wonderful humans in my life that I would like to pedicure first.

Who’s feet would you wash?