Lenten Reflections, Day 18

Saturday, March 10th, 2012

Written by: Susan Wollner

Reading: Mark 15: 21-24

As I give thanks for eternal life because our Lord Jesus died for our sins, I think of the moments leading to Christ’s death. We are familiar with the scripture telling us how Jesus was offered bitter wine mixed with myrrh and how they casts lots for his clothing, but in reading the scripture this time I was struck with how Simon was forced to become part of Christ’s crucifixion. Matthew, Luke and Mark all mention Simon from Cyrene who was traveling from North Africa on a long Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem with his sons Alexander and Rufus. While paying homage to his faith, Simon was forced to carry the cross on which Christ was crucified. Christ suffered and died for us on that cross. How must Simon have felt? Paul mentions in Romans that Rufus and his mother were chosen in the Lord and worked in the early church. What a profound effect meeting Christ as he was to be crucified must have had on the lives of Simon’s family. How does reading of Christ’s suffering change our families?

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross for us. Thank you, Jesus, for suffering pain and humiliation that we might have eternal life. Help us to be mindful of the crosses our fellow humans carry and help us to act as you would have us do. In Christ’s name we pray.

FAMILY MOMENT

In today’s story we learn of Simon of Cyrene who carries Jesus’ cross for him. The cross was heavy and bulky and Jesus was very tired. Have you ever been so tired and you needed someone to carry you or help you to carry your things? When we help other people carry a heavy burden we sometimes call that "carrying their cross" – which reminds us of how Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus to carry his cross. Who needs help carrying their cross today? Make a plan for how you can be of help to someone in need.

Lord, we are thankful for the help Simon of Cyrene offered in you final hours. Thank you for the people who help us in our lives and help us to see the needs of others around us. AMEN.