Station 5: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his Cross

As they were marching out, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross.
                                                                                    Matthew 27: 32
 
Reflection:    Jesus’ strength is flagging.  Less out of compassion and more out of fear that Jesus may collapse before he reaches Golgotha and is crucified, the soldiers look about and randomly select a man who is obviously from the country.  They force him to interrupt whatever his plans were to help Jesus carry his cross.  Reluctantly, perhaps, since there is no alternative, Simon lifts the burden of the cross.
 
Who is this Simon?  Since St. Mark tells us he was the father of Alexander and Rufus, we know he was somebody’s father, somebody’s husband.  Surely he was somebody’s son, and perhaps, somebody’s brother, somebody’s friend.  Perhaps that day one or more of those “some bodies” was also in the crowd.  What would it have been like that day to be Simon’s wife or daughter or sister or mother?
As we walk the way of the cross, we reflect on our own.  We are aware that often the pain of someone we love is more difficult to bear than our own; that what we feel when we see another suffer is indeed real pain.  Let us be aware of those in our lives upon whom the cross seems to be thrust.  Sometimes we may be embarrassed to be identified with them; sometimes their needs may seem to ask too much of us.  Yet when we, as “other Simons,” reach out to them, we minister to Jesus.
Prayer: Attentive and caring God, you hear the cries of those in pain.  There are people everywhere who walk a path filled with suffering and sorrow.  It pains me to be able to take away the hurt.  It saddens me to be unable to alleviate their burdens.  Help me to not be afraid to be there with the pain.  Let me not run from what distresses and disturbs me when this suffering invades my peace and happiness.
 
Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed by Thy name.  Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.  Amen.
 
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.  Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death, AMEN.
 
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, AMEN.
 
Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us.