4/19/2019
I've often wondered what were the thoughts of Simon of Cyrene.
Easter season musings… Good Friday edition... "available"... good for us notso good for Jesus.
Please indulge my speculating… I've often wondered what the thoughts were of Simon of Cyrene… when he was suddenly pressed into service to carry the cross when Jesus stumbled and was no longer able to do so. On the sidelines and suddenly forced into the Passion drama by chance and just being available… was Simon. I imagine I'm Simon… watching this cruel procession to Calvary… three men to die the excruciating death of the cross. I see two of them crying and cursing their executioners, vile in their anger and fear at the fate that awaits them!
Then the soldier grabs my arm and orders: “Take His cross, He’s slowing us down!” Yessir! The irony of being available…called to “serve” this man with the crown of thorns, in His last moments of life. As the heavy cross is placed upon my shoulders, this man is not like the others… He’s clearly suffering and in misery… yet He’s serene, not cursing as the other two… He blesses me for what small comfort I offer. Through the blood and pain, He’s determined... like on an urgent mission that must be completed… as if the world itself is at stake! Odd??? In His eyes I see peace among torment.
He looks at me in love… and at His glance the cross seems to become lighter as if its weight is shared by another. Simon was available… and served the Lamb as He was led to be slain… Hmmm??? Am I available? God Bless!
Please indulge my speculating… I've often wondered what the thoughts were of Simon of Cyrene… when he was suddenly pressed into service to carry the cross when Jesus stumbled and was no longer able to do so. On the sidelines and suddenly forced into the Passion drama by chance and just being available… was Simon. I imagine I'm Simon… watching this cruel procession to Calvary… three men to die the excruciating death of the cross. I see two of them crying and cursing their executioners, vile in their anger and fear at the fate that awaits them!
Then the soldier grabs my arm and orders: “Take His cross, He’s slowing us down!” Yessir! The irony of being available…called to “serve” this man with the crown of thorns, in His last moments of life. As the heavy cross is placed upon my shoulders, this man is not like the others… He’s clearly suffering and in misery… yet He’s serene, not cursing as the other two… He blesses me for what small comfort I offer. Through the blood and pain, He’s determined... like on an urgent mission that must be completed… as if the world itself is at stake! Odd??? In His eyes I see peace among torment.
He looks at me in love… and at His glance the cross seems to become lighter as if its weight is shared by another. Simon was available… and served the Lamb as He was led to be slain… Hmmm??? Am I available? God Bless!
