IX - Jesus Meets Simon and the Women of Jerusalem

We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.  

As they led Jesus away, they laid hold of one Simon the Cyrenean who was coming in from the fields. They put a cross beam on Simon’s shoulder for him to carry along behind Jesus. A great crowd of people followed him, including women who beat their breasts and lamented over him. Jesus turned to them and said: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children.” (Lk 23:26-28)

Heavenly Father, how heavy the cross must have been, especially for someone who had been scourged and maltreated. Not wishing to have Jesus die under the weight of his cross, the soldiers forced Simon to shoulder this burden. Father, sometimes the burdens of our lives seem to be too heavy for us to carry alone. Give us the strength and courage to shoulder our cross. And how many times do we encounter others who need assistance in carrying the burdens of their lives? Enable us to respond eagerly to the fullest of our ability. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus, crucified and risen, have mercy on us.