August 25, 2025

“As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.” Luke 23:26

Dear Lord Jesus,

Forgive us for how we refuse to carry our cross as You instructed us. Forgive us for how we must be compelled to do so. Forgive our love of this world, which is stronger than our love for You. Forgive our lukewarmness and only loving You with our lips, while our hearts are far away from You.

Thank You for choosing Simon as the first example. If we truly want to follow You, we must carry our cross, denying ourselves, in order to truly follow You.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, amen.