Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a humble donkey, with crowds shouting “please save us!”. It was a moment of quiet strength, not power or showmanship.
Yet we are constantly told that real success looks loud, polished, and relentlessly driven. In a world that prizes noise and efficiency, humility can seem almost pointless, and it is no wonder so many of us find ourselves craving genuine connection while everything around us feels increasingly disconnected. But Jesus offers another way: gentleness, service, and strength that does not need to shout.
And here in County Durham…
if someone tried riding a donkey down any high street, it would barely get ten metres before someone asked if it had escaped from an open farm. Someone else would film it, someone would post it to a community Facebook group titled “Spotted in Durham”, and someone would definitely say, “You can’t park that here, mate.”
Maybe that contrast is the whole point. Our world celebrates whatever looks impressive, yet Jesus points to a strength that is quiet and gentle. And because of that, we often miss the good right in front of us simply because it does not sparkle the way we expect.
Happy Palm Sunday, whatever you are doing.
May your day bring calm, kindness, and a little less County Durham weather (basically plenty of sun).
And if a donkey wanders past, just point it in the right direction. It has probably had a week.