St. Simon of Cyrene

Many of us know the story of St. Simon of Cyrene (Matthew. 27:32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26). 

Already exhausted and on his way home from a hard day's work in the fields, he happens upon an unexpected scene. It was a Roman crucifixion in-progress. Soldiers single him out, demanding he assist a political prisoner. It must have been extremely annoying! 

 A number of questions must have come to mind -- What is this?  Who is this?  Why am I being asked to help carry this cross? The whole affair was likely a source of frustration, perhaps even anger for Simon. But after picking up the cross and walking with this stranger a while, things gradually began to become clearer. Some of the answers began coming into focus.

What is this? -- This is an unpleasant experience -- but something God has picked out for me.
Who is this? -- This is Jesus, the savior.
Why am I being asked to help carry this cross? -- It doesn't really matter; I'm so glad to be able to help Jesus with his cross.

In the same way, we may encounter difficult, unexpected challenges in our life. In the beginning these things will seem a source of frustration, perhaps even anger. We may ask the same kind of questions St. Simon of Cyrene did. But let us try to answer those questions as Simon did:

What is this? -- This is an unpleasant experience -- but something God has picked out for me.
Who is this? -- This is Jesus, the savior.
Why am I being asked to help carry this cross? -- It doesn't really matter; I'm so glad to be able to help Jesus with his cross...