Simon carried the cross of Christ.

At first it was just a tiresome and unwelcome task

he was forced into by the soldiers;

only later did he recognise his privilege

in shouldering the burden of the One

who made the worlds.

 

He was compelled to carry the cross

part of the way for Jesus.

Simon, himself a stranger, an outcast, often misunderstood,

perhaps identified with Jesus,

and felt the gratitude of this Man above all men;

and amid the pity Simon felt for Him,

he felt a burning compassion flowing back to him from Jesus,

 a burning, life-changing love.

Simon carried the cross of Christ.

 

As Simon took the weight of the cross from Jesus,

You have taught us that we must bear one another's

burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

May we carry Your cross.

May we carry Your cross.

 

 

Simon was one just passing by,

but suddenly he was compelled to change direction,

and, with all his strength given

to the carrying of the cross,

pressed through the crowds

to the place of the Skull.

Golgotha, Calvary

 

 

Sweet Jesus, like Simon,

may we carry Your cross.

May we carry Your cross.