Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Station 5: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
Meditation
By Bishop Erik Pohlmeier, Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida
Former Director, Faith Formation Office, Diocese of Little Rock
I walked into the city minding my own business. I could tell something was happening and anger filled the air. People were gathering and in my way. I was trying to find a way around when I saw him. It was shocking. How could a man beaten so badly even stand up? He couldn't. What are the soldiers saying? Here they come, are they going to beat me too? I tell them my name is Simon, but I'm not part of this. They threw me next to him and up close I saw more than a beaten man. Never have I seen such eyes and they looked deep in me. He was suffering and yet when I stepped close he loved me. Next to him I forgot the noise of the crowd and whatever else I was going to do. Next to him I would do whatever he needed. I picked up his cross. Now when I look into the face of those who suffer I see him. Now he asks me to help again, to pick up these crosses and so I carry on. What do you see in the faces of those who suffer? Can you pick up their crosses?
