STATION V: Jesus is Helped by Simon of Cyrene to Carry his Cross
Simon of Cyrene was a working man, a man who happened to be passing by. But he was forced by the soldiers into helping Jesus, an innocent condemned to a shameful death, to help him carry his means of death to its final place. This casual encounter proved to be life-changing for Simon. As the father of two young men-Alexander and Rufus-Simon’s heart was brought to faith-a faith he shared with his sons who later became known as leaders in the Roman Christian community. Simon walked with Jesus, helping to carry the burden, and in so doing was blessed by God and forever changed. When Jesus needs our help in the form of a brother or sister in need, what is our response?