URC Daily Devotion 26th March

Simon’s part in this sacred story is a reminder of the part any of us can play.   It is true of all of us that there are many occasions when what is asked of us is less to do with conscious choice and more about “compulsion”.   The familiar phrase, within the Eucharistic Prayer, sums it up:  “it is our duty and our delight”.   We may prefer to be able to choose and to delight in choice but much of the time we are asked to be open to fulfilling duties and responding to what is asked and expected of us.   Simon’s testimony is that, by responding to compulsion, he served Christ – literally bearing another’s burden.   He may not have wanted to do so;  he may even have resented being compelled.  He is unlikely to have been among those that had heard Jesus say, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)  By contrast we are aware of that call – to deny ourselves and take up the Cross and follow him.   In this week when we recall the Cross of Christ, may we, like Simon, use whatever strength we possess to step out from the crowd with a willingness to shoulder other’s burdens and, thereby, follow and partner the crucified.