Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross
In support of marginalized people
Meditation
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:40). The Bible tells us that we are our sisters and brothers’ keeper, and guardians of Creation entrusted to us. Our responsibility extends to the threatened commons—vegetation, animals, and natural elements. We are called “to listen to the cry of the earth and of people who are poor, examining their behavior and pledging meaningful sacrifices for the sake of the earth which God has given us.” [09/01/21 Joint Message for the Protection of Creation]
We Pray
God of compassion, help us to recognize that we are our brothers and sisters’ keepers. Simon of Cyrene’s day, plans, and life were disrupted when he was called upon to help you. Like Simon, may we also work to alleviate the suffering of those crushed by the heavy cross of injustice and violence committed against them and their fellow creatures. Amen.
♫ HYMN
Were you there when Simon shared his Cross?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble;
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
The above is excerpted from a booklet prepared by the Franciscan Friars Conventual JPIC commission and a combined adaptation from a Catholic Climate Covenant (CCC) parish resource (from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis’s 2022 ACCT) and a Jesuit Refugee Service resource (JRS Renew the Earth—Stations 2022).
The Stations will be posted individually over the next weeks of Lent. Check out our Resources page if you would like to view the entire document.
