The fifth station teaches us solidarity with suffering. Simon of Cyrene agrees to help Jesus when he sees him struggling under the weight of the cross; he does not remain indifferent to suffering. And what about us? What do we do? Do we help our brothers and sisters close to us, or do we try to crush them so that they cannot rise again? How should we act? Should we leave others’ problems unattended? What kind of suffering and problems are there among us or in today’s world?

What I observe on my journey is that the world is now completely out of line. Everything is fashionable, everything is done with technology, there are no more face-to-face relationships, it is a world full of dangers, waste and indifference. There is so much loneliness, so much discontent, moral suffering, physical and mental suffering. It would be enough to follow the example of Simon of Cyrene, to be there physically, with an extra smile, a greeting, a visit, a hug, a word of comfort, but there is so much selfishness in our society, there are closed doors, for example: there are still closed minds, ways of behaving, ways of speaking, our thinking only of ourselves, and what about others? Do we never think of our brothers and sisters nearby? Our neighbours? The sick in hospital or their families? During this period of Lent, let us try to open our hearts to our brothers and sisters around us, let us open the doors of our homes to people who need our help, especially spiritual help. Let us leave behind our superfluousness, our pride, our selfishness, our arrogance, and let us invite solidarity, kindness, hospitality, charity towards our brothers and sisters, a spirit of sociability, non-indifference, and a spirit of mutual love.

Jesus wants our hearts, our homes, our communities, and our society to be one, living in the spirit of family, enjoying the spirit of peace, serenity, and gentleness, and especially the spirit of dialogue and attention to others. This is how we can arrive at eternal life with joy and happiness.

Have a good journey, everyone.

Sr. Palepa Aloniu, Smf (Samoa).