Joseph
purchased a small donkey several months before the trip to Bethlehem so Mary could
become accustomed to the animal. A great bond grew between the pair as Mary took
care of the donkey and nightly covered him with her robe. However, at the start
of the trip the donkey picked up a thorn in one of his front hooves which caused
him to go lame. Every step was painful, but he knew how important it was for him
to carry Mary carefully. With great patience and will power the donkey struggled
along the trail carefully, being sure not to limp for fear it would make Mary
uncomfortable. So careful he was that neither Mary nor Joseph knew the donkey
was in great pain. Finally the trip ended in Bethlehem. The little donkey was
able to lie down and sleep in the hay, covered with Mary's robe. Later that night
an angel came and lifted the robe from his back and said "Among the beasts
thou alone always shall be blessed, for in another's time of need you bore your
cross of pain in silence, and all men shall know you for the greatness of your
heart. Your children and your children's children forever more shall bear your
mark of honor among the beasts." When Mary's robe was removed from the
donkey the next morning, she and Joseph saw something that had never been seen
there before: A cross on his back. And every small donkey has since
borne the cross on his back as a reward for his work and faithfulness.
