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An Ox and a Donkey Together

Keraza Magazine issue 37-38 September 19, 2014

There is a popular question that puzzles many when choosing a life-mate, work-mate, servicemate, or even a roommate: Should I choose a person similar to me or a person who differs from me? Actually, this indecisiveness comes from similarity and likeness being strong guarantees of a reasonable degree of understanding and harmony, while the differences complete the shortcomings and trains one to flexibly accept another who differs.

Among the amazing commandments in the Holy Bible is that commandment written in the Mosaic Law: "You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together" (Deuteronomy 22:10, NKJ). Was this commandment written for the sake of an ox and a donkey, or, as St. Paul the Apostle says, "Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written" (1 Corinthians 9:9-10).

It is common for a farmer to use either a donkey or an ox in cultivating the ground, placing the plow-yoke on one of them, on two oxen, or two donkeys. It is also common knowledge that the physical anatomy of the ox’s neck and shoulder muscles makes it stronger than the donkey and more suited for bearing and dragging the plow-yoke. Yet, this does not necessarily make it faster. Therefore, placing an ox and a donkey together under the same yoke would be unfair, disregarding the differences in build, nature, and temperament, which would surely result in inconsistent levels of performance.

Although we might not know the basis on which Christ paired up the apostles when He sent them two by two before His face, it is certain that He did not do this haphazardly, since all God’s works are done in wisdom (Psalm 104:24). Wonder, did Christ mean to place the plow of service on pairs of apostles who were different, or ones who were similar in nature, ability, gifts, and temperament?

St. Paul chose to go out to the service with Silas, instead of Mark who was chosen to pair up with Barnabas. Yet, he did return to request his companionship, testifying that "he is useful to me for ministry" (2 Timothy 4:11). I think that in the beginning, St. Paul assumed that they could not serve together, as an ox and a donkey cannot plow together, then after a while he realized that the commandment to "not plow with an ox and a donkey together" is a commandment for beginners, walking along the first mile. As for those who have bowed their necks to walk the second mile, they have well realized that it is not only useful but also necessary to place the yoke on the ox and the donkey together, so that the strong learns to bear with the scruples of the weak with all love and humility.

Perhaps this is what St. Bishoy did by agreeing to slow down on his way to meet the Lord, to carry the old man on his shoulders, and thus he met the Lord Himself. Actually, this is what Jesus does, who willing, rather joyfully, places His yoke upon us the weak (He being the strong), so that in His love and humility He carries our weaknesses and gives us His strength.

Bishop Youssef
Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States