Stations of the Cross Day 5-Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus to Carry His Cross

As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. Matthew 27:32 Not much is known about Simon of Cyrene. We know that he was in Jerusalem for Passover at the time of the crucifixion and that he was the father of two men/boys named Alexander and Rufus who eventually became missionaries. (Mark 15:21) We also know that he was very brave. Think of how difficult it would be - both physically and mentally- to help a criminal carry their cross (I say criminal because that's what Jesus was being treated as). Jesus' blood and sweat were probably upon this man as he carried the cross. And yet, he didn't run away. He didn't tell the soldiers "no" and he didn't pass off the job to someone else. He too embraced the cross along with the blood and pain that it caused to help our Lord. He is one of the best examples of Christian stewardship and courage. Even when situations that we are to serve in get messy or uncomfortable, it is important to stay and help. After all, if we, the people of God won't help, then who will? St. Simon of Cyrene, please pray for us and help us to embrace service as well as you did. Pray that we, as followers of Christ, might strive to help Christ carry His cross through our service of others.