The Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross
When God lays a cross upon us, some misfortune, some unexpected burden, instead of thanking Him for this precious gift, too often we rebel against His will. We forget that our Saviour never sends a cross alone, but ever sweetens its bitterness, lightens its weight by His all-powerful grace. With reluctance, with unwillingness, Simon bears the cross of His Master. At first his spirit revolted against this injustice, his pride rebelled against this ignominy. But once he accepted with resignation, his soul was filled with heavenly sweetness, he felt not the weight of the heavy beams, he heeded not the jibes of the multitude but pressed on after His Master, proud to be His follower.
April 4, 2025
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on Meditation on the Fifth Station of the Cross by Fr Willie Doyle.
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Father Doyle, I do not want to keep refusing my crosses, or fighting against them. Please intercede for me to be more resigned and even grateful for them.
Father Doyle, please teach us to be a Simon of Cyrene in the world, willing to help others carry their cross, and so to see Jesus in that person. It is a privilege to assist others, as it had been for Simon- and for all Eternity, Simon of Cyrene is remembered and esteemed as a true helper of Jesus, of God Himself. What a lesson for us to learn and apply in our own lives. Father Doyle, you were a brave Simon on the battlefield, so many to help, so many crosses, so many souls to save by your charity, and by God’s grace.