Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross

Station Five

– Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his cross –

Jesus, the soldiers are becoming impatient. This is taking longer than they wanted it to. They are afraid you won’t make it to the hill where you will be crucified. As you grow weaker, they grab a man out of the crowd and make him help carry your cross. He was just watching what was happening, but all of a sudden he is helping you carry your cross.

Sometimes we try to do as little as we can and still get by. Others might need our help, but we ignore their needs. Even when we’re asked to help, we sometimes claim to be too busy.

Help us notice the needs of those around us. Help us do more than just stand there and watch. Help us see the needs of others as opportunities for us to reach out and help as you did.

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Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others: that with wisdom, patience and courage, they may minister in His name to the suffering, the friendless and the needy; for the love of Him who laid down His life for us, your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.