Stations of the cross: 5 Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross
5 Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross
Jesus, who healed so many people and preached to thousands, now has no one to help him carry his cross. One of his closest friends denies ever knowing him. Another has betrayed him. The rest have run away. Simon a stranger, is forced by the soldiers to assist, so that the prisoner should not die before reaching the place of execution. He was just watching what was happening, but all of a sudden he is helping you carry his cross.
As a child, sometimes we see people who need our help. Sometimes we pretend not to hear when parents call us. We disappear when we know others could need our help.
As an adult, 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 asked to help, we sometimes claim to be too busy.
Forgive us, Lord, we find it hard to accept the help of others, even when it is freely offered with love. We do not like to face our own frailty, we hate to admit our needs. Give us the humility that is grateful to receive the ministry of those who care for us, and hear our prayer for the elderly, the handicapped and all who must daily depend on human kindness.
Lord, in your mercy: Hear our prayer