Station 5: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry his Cross

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. [Matthew 27.32; Mark 15.21; Luke 23.26]

This Simon originates from modern-day Libya, and like Simon Peter he was just passing by [Mark 1.16, 2.14], when he was ‘conscripted’, though by a Roman enlisting officer rather than Jesus. His sons’ names suggest he may have been a gentile. As Christians, we are all called to – “Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier’s aim is to please the enlisting officer.” [2 Timothy 2.3-4]

Prayer:

Lord God, help me to take up your Cross and follow you; to accept situations that I must endure, knowing that you will be with me as I emerge liberated into a new life; and give me wisdom to understand situations where others may be enlisted to help me, and to give you thanks.

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