Saint Simon of Cyrene was forced into service to help Jesus carry His Cross to the top of Golgotha. The movie "The Passion of the Christ", shows the conversion of heart of a Simon who at first resists the Romans and is resentful of having to help a less than human looking criminal carry an instrument of torture and death. Simon later learns to have compassion for an innocent man who is falling under a heavy burden and Simon helps Jesus get back up and fulfill His mission.
Jesus promised a Paraclete, one who walks along side of us to aid us in His absence. Simon of Cyrene was converted by the Holy Spirit from someone who didn't want to be involved to someone who served another in great need. Jesus becomes incarnate in us by the Holy Spirit and we are empowered to serve our brother or sister in need. It may not be anything as dramatic as carrying a heavy wooden cross. It may just be doing the dishes without complaining or being asked. It may be sitting down with a teen ager helping them do homework they don't want to do. It may just be reading stories to a two year old when your tired or listening to your spouse without interrupting.
I pray through the intercession of St Simon of Cyrene that I receive the grace to carry my own cross and am able to help others carry theirs. I further invoke God the Holy Spirit to come down upon me and my house and give us this grace a hundred fold. Walk with us O Spirit of God that we too might walk with those in need of faith, hope, love and peace. Amen.
