The Heart of the Father

Simon found himself in a difficult situation. Imagine that for a moment.

• After working in his field during the day, he returns home.
• Suddenly, he finds himself in the middle of a large crowd and in the middle of this crowd, he sees Jesus bleeding who walks with a cross on his shoulders.
• The soldiers take Simon and order him to carry the cross of Jesus in his place.

Surely this situation was very difficult for Simon, not only because he had to carry the cross, but also because he had to walk close to Jesus. He could then see His suffering up close. We must not forget that Jesus had been beaten and interrogated part of the night. They were leading him to His death. Jesus was exhausted and tired.

Simon had the privilege of coming to the aid of Jesus and accompanying him in his trial.

• How do we react when we see someone suffer or experience a difficult ordeal?

Are we going to him to offer them help? Or do we pretend we haven’t seen anything and that we’re not available? Or do we choose to walk beside the hurting person just as Simon did for Jesus?

Simon was chosen by the soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus.

God the Father is a compassionate father and He is always ready to help us when we need Him. Let us be filled with His love and compassion to help the suffering people around us. The Father has chosen us to be “Simon”.

Let’s be available.

Prayer

“Father, I need You to fill me with Your love and compassion for the people around me. Open my eyes so that I can see those who are suffering around me and help me to help them. Help me to love them as You love them. Make me a “Simon” to someone. amen »

Application

1. Discuss with the children what sometimes prevents them from helping someone: embarrassment, lack of compassion, selfishness, etc.
2. Encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and live a life of love for others by carrying the cross of those in need.