V: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
Jesus even experiences our struggle to receive help. He is made to experience the poverty of not being able to carry his burden alone. He enters into the experience of all who must depend upon others to survive. He is deprived of the satisfaction of carrying this burden on his own.
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.
I look into his face and contemplate his struggle. His weariness and fragility. His impotence.
I see how he looks at Simon, with utmost humility and gratitude.
This is for me. So I feel anguish and gratitude. I express my thanks that he can continue this journey. That he has help. That he knows my inability to carry my burden alone.
I say what is in my heart, with deep feeling.