Station 5: Simon Helps Jesus Carry the Cross

“As they led him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” — Luke 23:26

As a young adult, it often feels like I'm juggling a million things at once — school, work, relationships, figuring out what I want to do with my life. It can feel like there’s always a lot on my plate, and sometimes, the weight of everything starts to feel overwhelming. There are days when I feel like I’m carrying a cross that’s just too heavy to bear. And in those moments, I can’t help but feel like Jesus did, like no one fully understands or sees the struggle.

In the 5th Station of the Cross, Simon of Cyrene is pulled into an unexpected situation. He was just minding his own business, going about his day, when out of nowhere, he was forced to help Jesus carry the cross. He wasn’t prepared, and it definitely wasn’t part of his plan. But despite all of that, he helped. Simon stepped in and carried the cross for Jesus, even when it wasn’t convenient.

This moment reminds me that life often throws things at us that we’re not prepared for — situations and struggles that we didn’t see coming. Sometimes, it feels like we’re asked to carry a burden that’s too heavy. And sometimes, like Simon, I’m called to help someone else carry their load, even if I’m not ready or if it’s not part of my plan.

This Lent, I’m reflecting on the times when I’ve had to step in and help someone else, even when I was dealing with my own stuff. Maybe it was being there for a friend who was going through a tough time or offering support to someone who needed it. There’s something powerful in helping others, especially when it’s inconvenient. 

It’s also a reminder that I’m not alone in my struggles. Jesus didn’t walk that path by Himself — He had Simon to help carry His cross. And I’m reminded that I don’t have to carry my cross alone either. Jesus is with me, and I can lean on others when the weight feels too heavy.

The 5th Station invites me to be there for others — to help them carry their burdens, just as Simon did for Jesus. It also reminds me that I can lean on others when I need help, knowing that Jesus is always with me, walking beside me.

This Lent, I want to think about the times I’ve had to carry a heavy load, and also about the times when I’ve been able to help someone else with theirs. Life can be tough, but I’m not meant to face it alone. 

I’m called to walk alongside others, and they’re called to walk with me. Together, we can carry the load.

John-Paul Vu

Ignis