Far from Cyrene and the Libyan coastlands Simon had ventured east across the Great Sea, as from earth's corners faith and duty summoned Passover pilgrims. Jerusalem gave Simon no kind welcome: just as he entered, he was seized by soldiers and forced to carry to the dreaded Skull Place some friendless Jew's cross. That unsought burden has become his glory: cross-bearing Simon now is praised and honored. So by God's wisdom much we find unwelcome may prove a blessing. Crucified Savior, risen yet still wounded, help us to take up crosses laid upon us: daily, like Simon, sharing in your passion, birth pangs of new life.