THE DONKEY’S CROSS

“Untie the colt and bring it here”, said Jesus to His disciple.

A donkey, of all creatures,

Strong and grey and humble.

The donkey who carried heavy loads Upon his back so grey

Felt honoured to carry Jesus Upon a cool summer’s day.

‘Twas a joyful day when Jesus sat upon the donkey’s back Riding into Jerusalem with a cross upon his back.

The crowds sang Hosanna to the King of Kings Shouting praises, joyfully To David’s Son of royalty.

 Isn’t it ironic that a cross was put on me?

The crowds sang cheerfully While the Lord sat woefully.

Branches, cloaks and palms were strewn upon the dusty ground

As the crowds sang joyfully Not a still voice could be found.

The ride into Jerusalem

A cup of sorrow awaits

An unfair trial of scrutiny Scatters and brings disunity.

 “Crucify him! Crucify him!”

The shouts of hate grew louder

So Pontius Pilate handed him over

He thought he had the power.

The King of kings rode into town

Upon a cross of a donkey’s back

Only to receive a wooden cross

To carry like a backpack.

He took the cross and was clothed in a purple robe

A crown of thorns upon his head,

 Not made of gold.

The long dusty road to Calvary

Was anything but nice

As Jesus fell three times upon the ground

Not a dry eye could be found.

The shadow of the cross fell upon my back that day

As I carried the Lord of lords who once slept on hay.

Now he sleeps upon a cross

On Mount Calvary

With the crowds now chanting Words of mockery.

 “Come down from the cross”, they shouted “If you are the Son of God”.

But it was love that kept him nailed

A vagabond slained.

The cross on a donkey’s back speaks loudly to me

For ’twas on that old cross on Calvary

He died to set me free. (

Sr Columbia Fernandez OP 27th March 2024)