The choice that Simon faced

Lent is a time of reflection and renewal. We are asked to examine our priorities and seek greater meaning in our lives through prayer and the sacraments. The Stations of the Cross are a powerful meditation on Christ’s Passion, often prayed on Lenten Fridays, and they help us to understand the importance of our faith journey. We realize that Our Savior suffered all for us so that we might be with Him in Paradise.

Today, we might reflect upon the Fifth Station of the Cross, when Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His Cross. Simon of Cyrene is on his way home when he comes upon the most sorrowful sight of Our Savior, reviled by the soldiers and mocked by the crowds. The soldiers force Simon to carry Jesus’s cross because they fear that Jesus will not reach Calvary. From this tragic encounter, Simon experiences the great love and humility of Christ. The Cyrenian, walking beside Jesus and sharing the burden of the Cross, learns the nobility of service.

In today’s Gospel reading, we are presented with the choice that Simon faced: do we believe all that Christ has said and done or do we reject Him and the eternal life that he promises us?

As Catholics, we are called to help one another just as Simon helped Jesus. It is truly in serving that we begin to realize the purpose of our lives. With a greater focus on building community, we can view our participation in Catholic events and activities as more than occasions to network and build contacts. We must start to regard one another as brothers and sisters, journeying together and building up Christ’s Mystical Body. We are called to encourage one another – to help one another – whether it be with faith, careers, or family. Through God’s grace, we can support one another in our mission to Work in witness for Christ™.

Jennifer Baugh, Founder & Executive Director of Young Catholic Professionals (YCP), a vibrant national non-profit inspiring young professionals to ‘Work in Witness for Christ’