8.
Jesus is Helped by Simon of Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
Opening Prayer
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you; by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world. Help us to walk in your steps. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- How difficult is it for you to ask people for help?
- The Holy Spirit has the name “Helper”–when was a time you sensed the Holy Spirit helping you?
- “Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Reflect on this truth from Jesus in light of Simon of Cyrene and our own call to bear the cross.
The Sacred Story
Mark 15:21
And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.
Simon of Cyrenne
What stands out most in this artwork? Take time and google images of Simon of Cyrene. What do you think the weight of the cross was across the back of Simon? What would be going through your mind if you were in his shoes?
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, you cried out to your Father in your moment of greatest need. Form us in such a way that we, too, might cry out to our heavenly Father during our times of distress. And give us faith to follow you in obedience. Amen.