So where are your palms this morning? Of course, you came to church yesterday because they were giving something away for free. But as you held those palms during the reading of the passion story, let me give you another insight on their purpose. You know these palms once dried will become next year’s ashes to mark the beginning of Lent. However, by holding these palms in your hands I like to take you back to the Stations of the Cross and have you stand at the Fifth Station: Simon is “forced” to carry Jesus' cross.Let me give you a glimpse of what this station is really all about. These who stand a long time at this station are all the people who carry crosses they did not want or ask for or bargain for. No one wanted to lose his or her job, or home. No one wanted the bipolar spouse or dementia parent, the physically challenged child, the cancer, the addiction, the divorce, the depression unwanted crosses of all descriptions.
Too many of us have the name of Simon of Cyrene, and mildly put, we are steamed and angry with God and frustrated—not to say exhausted. But the longer we stand here, the more we absorb the tradition that says that if Simon started out with anger—he wanted no part of Jesus’ crosses; he was forced into it. Despite our major temper tantrums, when we scream, “not again Lord.” We find ourselves “forced” into dilemmas we never planned on and certainly don not need at this season of our life.
However, despite these crosses, something creeps into our vision. After a time of carrying the cross with Jesus, like Simon of Cyrene we are both moved to understanding, and from understanding we move on to love, and from love we move into our salvation, and became, as it were, a co-redeemer with Jesus. Could this be your calling?
God prays for us as we reflect: “Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. (Psalm 28:9).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends during Holy Week that we receive the grace of compassion to help carry the crosses that will be placed into our hands like those palms. With your strength, may we receive the grace to lift the crosses of our friends and gently lead them in their journey to your healing hands and heart.
