What can have been the thoughts of Simon of Cyrene on being pulled out of the crowd and forced to help by the soldiers? Just a visitor to Jerusalem one minute and the next involved in a man’s death. Simon had no option but to help. But it made me think of all those retired doctors and nurses who have voluntarily come out of retirement to help during this crisis, and, as we know now, sometimes at fatal risk to themselves. Then the 10,000s who have volunteered generally in the country; the building staff, including the army, who are working extra hard to create new hospitals. It is a long list. We should take a moment to give thanks for the selflessness of so many around us.
Kendal Catholic Priest 