Wednesday, March 4, 2026: The Fifth Station: 

Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

Scripture: Mark 15:21

And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyre’ne, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

Reflection:

What is your cross? What burdens you? Each of us needs to share our burdens and there are loving people around you to accompany you on your way. Know you are not alone. The Spirit lives.

Prayer: 

Loving God, you brought Simon of Cyrene to help carry the cross of Jesus, offering a brief respite from the crushing weight and showing him solidarity and compassion in his darkest hour. We pray for all the advocates in our network like Courtney, who, in the way of Simon of Cyrene, accompany their clients through the most difficult times in their lives, showing them the love of God.

Story:

Brought to this country as a preschooler by his parents, my client J. lived in Texas for many years without any lawful status. He had a difficult adolescence, falling into the company of other struggling youth and eventually committing robbery.  Sentenced to years in jail, the experience was life changing for him. He was released several years early from jail, given his impeccable behavior and the advocacy of many adults who recognized his promise, but he was immediately taken into immigration detention. 

After being released from detention, J. has continued to develop his life alongside his loving wife and children. I met this amazing family for the first time in September of 2023. From the very beginning, J.’s criminal history forced me to question my assumptions. It was impossible to match the person described in the police report with the person seated in front of me. His story is one of the beauty of redemption, when we embrace the difficult twists and turns of life, turn toward love and hope, and reject bitterness and resentment. 

Every day, J. and his wife carry their cross of uncertainty and fear of his potential deportation, yet they step forward with perseverance and trust in the future. To walk alongside them has been alternately inspiring and fear-inducing, as I cannot guarantee that he will be able to stay here with his beloved family. 

And so I continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will guide the heart of the judge who will decide my client’s fate — that he will see with the eyes of God, judging my client for who he truly is and for all he has the potential to become. 

- Courtney Greene, Department of Justice Accredited Representative, Catholic Charities of Central Texas