St. Simon of Cyrene and the cross

by Noelle Bryce

When you interact with someone, typically you’re not actively thinking that you may never get this moment again. You may ponder that it is not practical or sustainable to live by that mindset in approaching every moment. We cannot deny that the spiritual reality filling every present moment is: 1) the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and 2) We are Christ to all as they are Christ to us. Therefore, with this as our reality, every moment is a uniquely offered invitation. In my line of work as a Trusts and Estates attorney, I interact with clients I expect to pass on from this present life. Many do pass sooner than I can emotionally prepare for and I don’t get to have another moment with them again. But regardless of your practice area, you will find these moments once you’re oriented to look for them. The Lord will call upon you through these invitations.

We know this too well as practitioners, our 3pm appointment tends to be especially challenging-- yet another prospect, client call, or firm meeting. As we reach for the next cup of coffee to get through that afternoon slump, it is hard to remember the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. But the approach to this hour is precisely the template for every other meeting. For in this hour is the work of our salvation; in the Ninth Hour (3pm) we liturgically remember our Lord’s voluntary passion, and so we can bring this liturgical observance into our workplace as we approach our meetings oriented to confess Christ by our sacrificial acts.

Let us say that 3pm consultation is another prospect and you are issue-spotting the facts of their case to determine fit for representation. The objective of such representation being the just outcome of the public justice system. But you are not simply the prospect’s 3pm appointment, you are the meeting they have anticipated would bring light to their particular darkness. The objective of our meeting must be to enter into incarnational ministry; the One True Living God, truly became man redeeming all of creation by His voluntary death and Resurrection, and we are called to live this reality in our meetings.

So, how do we do that?

Every person we interact with is carrying a substantial “load”. As attorneys, we are advisors, counselors, helpers, and advocates. The correct paradigm of our meetings ought to be that of attorney and client seated on the same side of the table, looking across that table at the darkness they seek to co-labor against. Be prepared and oriented to carry the load with them, like Simon of Cyrene because our clients are enduring their personal crucifixion. Through our professional services we offer this service of Love, by which we are uniquely qualified to carry that particular “load”. What a fearsome and profound invitation!

That load is easily revealed once your goal is to carefully reveal it, like a physician uncovering a bloodied wound that was time and time again bandaged and now stuck to the skin. Our clients have tried to bandage their actively bleeding wounds which led to thicker and thicker bandages. Sometimes just seeing the bandages is enough to recognize the wound and apply care, where care in that moment is conveying a simple yet profound, “I see your struggle, I am here with you, and we are going to take steps to heal this together.” Other times, care is giving an active ear and an open heart which creates a safe space for them to catch their breath before they have to carry the load again. These are the moments where the Lord will respond with, “Well done.” When a client or prospect shares they are thankful that you spoke with them, you said sorry to acknowledge their struggle, you took time to explain their situation in accessible terms, you confirmed to them they are on the right track, that they can now sleep better after talking to you, and that they no longer feel alone and lost, that is when you know the case is won. These are the victories because these are the cases assigned to us by the Lord!

You have been entrusted with the talents the Lord has given you to win the cases He has assigned you by carrying the load, and through that you may enter into the Joy of the Lord.

Noelle Bryce is an Attorney specializing in Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration. She is a graduate of George Washington University Law School and is admitted to the State Bar of California. She and her family are parishioners at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Chantilly, VA.

© 2026 Noelle Bryce