During Lent the Stations of the Cross are a favorite devotion in which we ponder on the mysteries of Christ’s passion, suffering and death. We reflect on the 5th station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry the cross. The German artist Sieger Koeder presents a fascinating image of this scene. He places Simon next to Jesus. They stand shoulder to shoulder and both look out of the picture towards us. The yoke of the cross sits across their shoulders so that equally they bear its load. In fact, it is difficult to know which is Jesus and which is Simon. This image reminds us of two things: Jesus helps each one of us to carry the cross; and we are each invited to help others to carry their crosses. He helps me carry my cross; I am called to help others carry theirs. These acts, however small, however great, are generous acts of love.
“We adore you, o Christ, and we praise You, because…” These familiar words sum up the meaning of Christ’s passion, suffering and death. God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son. Through Christ’s death and resurrection we become the adopted children of God. Christ stretches His arms outwards from the cross so that God’s mercy can embrace each one of us in love. The weight of His body stretched His arms to their limits and made breathing heavy and difficult. When He breathes His last breath and dies, Mary and John experience the deep pain of grief, but at the same time the hope of His words, which promise eternal life, resonates in their hearts. Christ is lifted up as the high priest who offers His life out of love for His people. This is the promise of the reconciliation and adoption that Christ has gained for us.
As we come with reverence to venerate the cross, with a kiss or a loving touch, we carry with us our own aches and pains as well as hidden tears in the heart. Like Simon of Cyrene, we bear the crosses of others whom we love. We offer these lives to Christ who alone can satisfy the longings of the heart and who offers His prayer to the merciful Father. We can carry with us those Christians who are suffering for their faith and enduring persecution even to death. We bear the names of our loved ones and family who are sick. May Mary, the Mother of Mercies, intercede for them so that they may receive the gift of health.