Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross

“Just then a man coming in from the countryside was passing by; his name was Simon, from Cyrene. He was the father of Alexander and Rufus. They forced him to carry the cross for Jesus.” (cf. Mk 15:21)

“As they led Jesus away, they seized a man coming in from the countryside, named Simon, from Cyrene, and laid the cross on his shoulders for him to carry behind Jesus.” (cf. Lk 23:26)

Look

Simon was only passing by. He was coming in from the countryside when the soldiers grabbed him. Mark even records the names of his two sons, perhaps because the first community of believers knew that family. He did not ask to help; he was forced to carry. But Luke notices a detail: he carried the cross “behind Jesus,” exactly the place of a disciple. Something forced on him put him right behind the Lord on that road. Many things we do not choose can also become the very place where we meet him.

Ask your heart

Is there something you are doing because you have to, that today you could do “behind Jesus”?

One small thing

Take on a task that helps someone without waiting to be asked: carry your grandparents' bags, wash the dishes for your mom, help a friend with homework.