Station 8, Day 2

Jesus is helped by Simon to carry his cross

As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.

Luke 23:26

Meditation

            We do not know whether Simon of Cyrene would have helped Jesus carry his cross willingly. However, in his hour of most desperate need, Jesus received assistance. He might have received help because of the impatience of the soldiers, or because the soldiers feared he would die of exhaustion before they could crucify him, or perhaps because people were crying out from the crowd to get him help. Regardless of the reason, the long-suffering Jesus was given relief.

            We can argue that Jesus was only given the assistance to hurry the journey to Golgotha. Even so, I believe there may have been some comfort to have the burden of the cross lifted from his shoulders, if only for a short time.

Spiritual discipline

            Meditate for 10 minutes beside the Via Dolorosa (Road of Suffering) as Jesus is carrying his cross. A Roman guard calls you out of the crowd to carry the cross for him. Do you go willingly? Do you feel honored, or do you feel you are now a party to this terrible injustice? Imagine Jesus stumbling before you. Feel the weight of the cross. Smell the scent of the timber.

Prayer

            Lord Jesus, I am thankful that in one of the low points of this journey, you received assistance. You so willingly share my burdens with me. Remind me to provide respite to others with their heavy loads. Amen.

This is the 31^st in a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.