Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry the Cross
We adore You O Christ and we praise You (Genuflexion)
R: Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew: (27:32-38).
As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull) they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall: but when he tasted it, he would not drink it.
Reflection
Like Simon, the man from Cyrene, we also, can help our Lord by doing acts of charity to our neighbour in need. Christ still suffers in our neighbour who could be suffering from lack of health, from addiction to some vice, from hunger, from family trouble and so on, and the help we give to the person who suffers, Jesus considers it given to himself.
Silence…..Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
Let us pray
O Jesus, when you were on the Mount of Olives, you told us on what grounds will be our last judgement, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothing”, and so on. Inflame my heart with a strong spirit of compassion towards him who is in need and give me the power and courage to help him right away. Amen.