Stations of the Cross for Teachers - The Fifth Station

Simon helps Jesus carry his cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Luke 23:26: As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

Reflection: Simon from Cyrene is pressed into service "on his way in from the country"; it's an unexpected detour from his plan for the day. Scripture doesn't tell us why he is appointed for the task or how he reacts. The point, it seems, is simply what he does. He serves a man in the hour of his greatest need. Here we remember that, as with Simon, our acts of service, expected or not, appointed or not, eagerly shared or not, carry great weight in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for this tiny glimpse of Simon from Cyrene, who shows us the cosmic impact of service. Please give us the eyes to see when, where, and who we can serve, and the strength to step into that call even when it causes a detour. Show us, too, how to let others help us. By your Spirit, help us to share our service generously and accept it from others graciously.