Jesus and the Donkey: A Story of Liberation and Empowerment in the Struggle for Racial & Social Justice
As we gather together in our churches this Sunday, we are reminded of the powerful story of Jesus summoning a donkey in the Bible on Palm Sunday. This story was retold by my Pastor at church today. It made me think deeply about the message for us today as it serves as a powerful metaphor for our call to action, particularly with regards to the struggle for racial and social justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, “Why are you doing this?” say, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.”’ “ — Mark 11:1–3 (NIV)
Just as the donkey had been tied up and unable to roam freely, so too have marginalized communities, particularly African Americans, been ostracized and oppressed by American white society for centuries. But as Jesus reached out to release the shackles that bound the donkey, so too must we reach out to empower and uplift these communities.
The symbolism of Palm Sunday serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hope and support in the struggle for social justice. Just as Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem by crowds waving palm branches, so too must we welcome marginalized communities into our society with open hearts and minds. We must support and empower these communities in order to help them achieve their full potential and fulfill their mission of freedom and justice for all.
But the story of the donkey also reminds us that this is not an easy task. Just as the donkey was tied up and unable to roam freely, so too are there many barriers that prevent marginalized communities from achieving their full potential. These barriers can be structural, economic, or cultural, and they can be difficult to overcome.
However, the story of the donkey also reminds us of the power of faith and the importance of perseverance. Just as Jesus was able to release the donkey from its shackles and ride it into Jerusalem, so too can we overcome the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from achieving their full potential.
This Sunday, as we reflect on the story of the donkey, let us be inspired to rededicate ourselves to the cause of racial and social justice and empowerment. Let us remember the power of hope and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. And let us commit ourselves to breaking down the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from achieving their full potential, so that we can help to create a more just and equitable world for all.
Effenus Henderson
