Simon helps Jesus to carry the Cross
Whoever serves me must follow me. My servant will be with me wherever I am. (Jn 12, 26)
You are my friends if you do what I command you. I shall no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. (Jn 15, 15)
Lord Jesus, what a privilege to carry your cross on your way to glory, yet Simon of Cyrene was reluctant to answer the call. In fact, no one, Lord, was willing to help carry your cross.
Loving Lord, I am deeply sorry that I have not always been willing to bear my cross, to follow you and to die to myself. Often I have turned away from you in my self-centeredness. I have neglected to seek the inner quiet in which alone can I hear you within my heart. I have paid little heed to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Let me now heed your call, and offer unreservedly my service in carrying out the work of God. May I become worthy to be called not merely your humble and dutiful servant, but also your friend.
Lord Jesus Crucified, have mercy.
