Day 268: Simon, a Cyrenian

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

Mark 15:21

The children of St. Mary’s Catholic Church performed a silhouette Stations of the Cross tonight. All of the players were behind a white screen, with a bright light casting their silhouettes onto the screen.

All except one. When Jesus fell, one of the children, dressed like a Roman centurion, came out from behind the screen and walked out among where the audience sat. He walked around until he found a boy, whom he nudged to get up and come with him. They went behind the screen and the boy (now in silhouette) took up the cross and carried it.

When I got home, Gary was ready for bed. We’ve been reading to each other every night during Lent from the book, Give Up Worry for Lent! So I took up the book and read to Gary.

Tonight’s reading was about Simon, the Cyrenian. It reminded us that in Jesus’s darkest hour, God sent someone to help him carry his burden. What are your biggest worries? the author asked. Who might God be sending to help you carry your burden? Might the Lord himself want you to turn to Him?