Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross

On the road to Calvary, Jesus grows ever weaker from pain and exhaustion. The soldiers seize a man named Simon of Cyrene to help carry the Cross for Him (cf. Lk 23:26; Mt 27:32). Simon is pressed into carrying it, not of his own free will (cf. Mk 15:21), but this very act of help becomes a meaningful moment in the journey of salvation. Simon cannot suffer in the Lord's place, but he shares part of His burden. Through this we see that God also invites us to cooperate in the journey of love and salvation. As we contemplate the Fifth Station, we realize that whenever we help someone who is suffering, we become the "Simon" of our own time.

Pause for a moment

At times you see others who are sad, tired or struggling. We can choose to be indifferent, or choose to help. Jesus teaches us that love is not only words, but concrete action. When we help our parents, our friends or anyone in need, we are sharing their burden, just as Simon did for the Lord.