We have made it to week five! Thank you so much for continuing to engage in this practice with us. We hope it has been worthwhile, challenging, and enlightening. Before diving into this week’s meditation, take a moment to consider how far you’ve come so far. 

This week, we’re going to explore Jesus’ interaction with Simon of Cyrene on The Street. This scene is recounted in Matthew 27:

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. (Matthew 27:32, NIV)

Take some time this week to read Matthew 27:1-37, which includes some of the accounts that we’ve covered in previous weeks of our meditation practice. What characters do you identify with the most? Judas? Pilate? The crowds? Barabbas? Simon? 

As we near the end of Lent, think back to the beginning of this journey. What were your expectations at the outset? Has it been easy or difficult to engage with these meditations? If you have fasted, how are you feeling? Take a moment this week and write down your thoughts.

Paul and I are praying that you would experience peace this week as you practice confession and compassion in your community. You are loved!