DO NOT BE LIKE THE MULE
«Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you» (Psalm 32:9).
Do NOT BE like the horse or like the mule,» says our verse today (Psalm 32:9). At least initially, this expression could have seemed strange to the reader/hearer of the ancient world. Why is that? Because in biblical culture, as much in the Old as in the New Testament, the mule was a highly valuable and appreciated animal. It was used as a beast of burden to work in the field and also to ride from one place to another. In general, it was considered a very able animal. However, the psalmist leads us to reflect on an aspect of this animal that is sometimes seen in people: their lack of understanding.
If God has given us intelligence, why do we sometimes compel Him to rule over us by force? Why are we not able to understand and accept His will for our lives when everything is going well for us and submit to it without needing to go through trials? Why is it necessary for Him to take advantage of our moments of illness, since otherwise we do not pay attention to Him? It is as if we were a bunch of brutes lacking the sense necessary to understand what life is, what God wants for our lives, and what type of relationship He wants to establish with us so that things may go well for us. In that, we are like the mule.
‘The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand» (Isaiah 1:3, NIV). This situation is unfortunate. Even irrational beings return love to the owner who feeds them. How are we going to be ungrateful toward our heavenly Father, who cares for us every day? We have more spiritual intelligence than animals.
We read in Jeremiah 8:6: «No man repented of his wickedness, saying, what have I done?’ Everyone turned to his own course, as the horse rushes into the battle.» In this, we also resemble the mule: we are stubborn about giving in and admitting our sins, our mistakes, and serious slip-ups. However, recognizing our limitations and realizing the gravity of our actions is always the first step for a change in direction.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Women’s 2020
«One Day at a Time»
From: Patricia Muñoz Bertozzi
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Magda Sanz T