Praying the Stations of the Cross with St. Joseph
The Fifth Station - Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry the Cross
He came from Cyrene, a town in northern Africa. With his two sons, Alexander and Rufus, he made his way from the country fields that fateful Friday morning, through the city gates, and into the heart of Jerusalem. He jostled through the narrow, crowded streets and the jeering mob, seeking a safe place for him and his sons to witnesses the spectacle of a condemned criminal shouldering the burden of that which would be the means of His execution - the cross on which he would hang. “His name is Jesus,” someone said in a whisper.
Something drew Simon to that particular place, something more than two sons of an age, when a gory crucifixion was a sight not to be missed. But what was it that drew him into being an unwitting participant in the drama he was witnessing? Was it his height and physique? Was it, being from Cyrene, his darker skin color? Did Jesus stumble beneath the weight of the wood right in front of him? Did he instinctively, stretch out his arm to help or mutter a word of protest of the violent way Caesar’s centurions were keeping the Peace of Rome? Or was he simply at the wrong place at the right time? Whatever the reason, soon the wood marked a groove on Simon’s shoulder as he was compelled to share the weight of the cross.
“You! Take the cross!” commanded the centurion. And Simon stepped out of the crowd, and out of anonymity, and balanced the timber against his shoulder. Were there words exchanged between Jesus and Simon, or perhaps just a look and a nod? But whatever transpired between them, the experience was enough to change Simon’s life forever. He became the first, in a line of millions, who have heeded Jesus’ invitation, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Let us pray . . . O St. Joseph, bless the Simon of Cyrenes in my life – those who lift the cross from my back through a helping hand, a kind word, a smile, or simply by their presence. And help me, also, to be someone who takes on the burdens of others when they are crushed by the weight of the world with all its disappointments, sorrows, struggles and pain, even when it’s not convenient, even when it’s not really what I want to do, even when taking up their cross will make heavier my own. Help me to be there, to support and to firm the steps of others, because it is not they who are asking, but your Son.
St. Joseph, Most Obedient, pray for us.
