THE FIFTH STATION: Simon Helps Jesus Carry the Cross

They pressed into service a passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country … to carry his cross.

—Mark 15:21

Even Jesus needed help, and he wasn’t too proud to accept it.

Human beings are social beings: We are called to live in community. By being together, by helping one another, we become the best versions of ourselves. We build a better planet. We bring about the reign of God.

It’s exciting to be a part of God’s plan, to be out serving and caring for the poor and vulnerable. But let us never forget that we, too, are poor and vulnerable in our own ways—and often those we serve end up serving us. Let us never be too proud to accept what others give. Let us remind ourselves that there is much to be learned from each person we encounter.

Calling to mind Hongkham from Laos, we see a woman who was in need of help—her family was going hungry, and she needed food. But in seeking that help, she wound up feeding an entire school full of children—and kept them coming back to further their education.

Perhaps our prayer should be one of humility: both to give and receive help, free of pride, for we never know where God might be at work.