While I was gone in Rome some parishioners were also gone. They went, of all places, while on vacation, to a donkey sanctuary in Aruba. Who would have thought? They brought me back a donkey coffee cup, because, you know, donkeys are the coolest animals in the world, right? They’re intelligent, only doing what they understand. They can sing, alone or in choir. They work hard. They are the symbol from time immemorial of the Israelites. They are always with the Holy Family, from Nazareth to Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth once again. One lucky donkey is at the crib. Another brings Jesus to His Cross. Donkeys are loyal, even under torture (recall Balaam’s donkey: Numbers 22:21-33). This is my favorite coffee cup.
What a great gift. Donkeys are just terrific.