Thursday, March 29, 2007

The Way of the Cross (5)


THE CROSS IS LAID ON SIMON OF CYRENE

Simon carried the cross of Christ. At first it was just a tiresome and unwelcome task he was forced into by the soldiers; only later did he recognise his privilege in shouldering the burden of the One who made the worlds.

He was compelled to carry the cross part of the way for Jesus. Simon, himself a stranger, an outcast, often misunderstood, perhaps identified with Jesus, and felt the gratitude of this Man above all men; and amid the pity Simon felt for Him, he felt a burning compassion flowing back to him from Jesus, a burning, life-changing love. Simon carried the cross of Christ.
As Simon took the weight of the cross from Jesus,
You have taught us that we must bear one another's
burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
May we carry Your cross.
May we carry Your cross.
Simon was one just passing by,
but suddenly he was compelled to change direction,
and, with all his strength given
to the carrying of the cross,
pressed through the crowds
to the place of the Skull.
Golgotha, Calvary
Sweet Jesus, like Simon,
may we carry Your cross.
May we carry Your cross.
amen

2 comments:

  1. "Jesus could've chosen to prick His finger...instead He went all the way" (Mel Gibson)

    i think the horror of the Cross reflects the reality of *gratuitious evil*...plain meaningless, sadistic, as-much-as-one-likes, lashing out, hateful, anti-Godness. this is the condition of the human soul at its worst...phew, i'm glad i'm not God?

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  2. That is so true. Look at the evil in the world today and we see what we humans do to each other everyday.

    Glad you are not God? Me too!

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