St Albans

Leader: My name is Simon, from Cyrene in Aferica. As a Jew, I have dreamed my whole life of spending the Passover in Jerusalem. I could hardly believe I was here! To save money, I have spent the last night in a village a few miles away. Now this morning, I was on my way to the Temple! As I was about to enter town, I saw a crowd of Roman soldiers and some other people heading my way. I stepped aside, but the next thing I knew, one of the solders grabbed me and pulled be forward.
At first, I couldn't make out what he was saying. Then I saw the man lying on the ground with a huge beam on his shoulder. They wanted me to carry this fellow's cross to the place of execution. I didn't dare refuse. But what a dreadful way to spend the Passover. What if they wouldn't let me in the Temple after this? So, inwardly cursing my luck, I picked up the crossbeam and followed after the man. As I walked, I started to feel sorry for him. No mater what he had done, the death he wold endure seemed too hard a punishment. Those around me murmered that he hadn't done anyting wrong, that he was a prophet, maybe the Messiah.
Impossible, I thought. Then we reached the place on the hill, and the man looked at me for the first time. He nodded and whispered, "Thank you, Go in peace. My Father in heaven will reward you." I was haunted and quieted by the peace that radiated from him, even in that awful place. Had I just met God, not in the Temple, but on the way to the cross?

Leader: O Lord God, save us from the sin of being so busy with our pious acts that we fail to see the opportunities you give us to serve your Son in all those who suffer. Help us to see YOU, and to bear YOUR burden, in all those we meet.

All: Amen