The Stations of the cross.. Simon of Cyrene

There are people who, by strange and mysterious ways, manage to receive honorable mention in the Gospel records. The man called Simon is one of them.

He came from Cyrene in North Africa, would have been black and, like the Ethiopian Eunuch, had probably come to Jerusalem to worship.

Unbeknown to him God had a special task for him to fulfill. There on the Via Dolorosa Christ fell beneath the heavy burden of His Cross. Not wishing for the scheduled execution to be delayed, the roman soldiers ordered Simon to take up the cross of Christ and carry His burden down towards the Damascus Gate.

Thus the name of Simon of Cyrene has become enshrined for ever in the Easter narrative.

Simon just 'happened to be there' and unwittingly became part of the prophetic redemption of mankind.

Here is a point to ponder. Today you may just 'happen to be there' to lift someone's burden for a few steps on a hard journey. Do it if you can, for Jesus said "In as much as you have done it unto the least of my brothers, you have done it unto Me."

Jubilate.

Ian