The journey of Simon of Cyrene
The journey of Simon of Cyrene offers a profound reflection on the unexpected ways in which ordinary people can be called into extraordinary circumstances, often without their choosing, and how these moments can lead to deep personal transformation.
The Story of Simon of Cyrene
Simon of Cyrene is a relatively minor figure in the New Testament, mentioned briefly in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. As Jesus carries His cross to Golgotha, the place of His crucifixion, the Roman soldiers compel Simon, a passerby, to help carry the cross. Simon is described as coming in from the country, perhaps there for the Passover, with no apparent prior connection to the events unfolding.
An Unexpected Call
Simon’s journey begins with an unexpected and involuntary call to action. Unlike the classic hero’s journey, where the hero often chooses to embark on a quest, Simon is thrust into his role. He is pulled from his ordinary life into the most profound moment in Christian history—the Passion of Christ.
This reflects the reality that many of us face in life: moments of crisis or challenge where we are called to step into roles we did not choose, often under difficult circumstances. Simon did not set out to become part of the story of the crucifixion; he was simply present at the right (or wrong) moment.
Carrying the Cross becomes a Shared Burden
When Simon is compelled to carry the cross, he becomes a participant in Jesus’ suffering. This act of sharing the burden is deeply symbolic. In a literal sense, Simon eases Jesus’ physical load, but symbolically, he also participates in the suffering of Christ, embodying the Christian call to share in the burdens of others.
For Simon, this moment likely shattered any idealized notions he might have had about the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Instead of a peaceful and holy visit to the city, he is confronted with the brutal reality of Roman execution and the suffering of an innocent man.
This mirrors the journey many of us take from idealized expectations to the harsh realities of life. We may start with certain hopes or assumptions, only to find ourselves carrying unexpected burdens. Like Simon, we may not have sought out these challenges, but they become part of our journey nonetheless.
Transformation Through Suffering
The Gospels do not provide extensive details about Simon’s inner thoughts or feelings, but we can imagine that this experience must have had a profound impact on him. Being so close to Jesus in His moment of greatest suffering, Simon likely saw and felt things that transformed his understanding of life, suffering, and perhaps even his faith.
This transformation is not unlike the shifts that occur in our own lives when we are confronted with suffering—whether our own or that of others. Such experiences can deepen our empathy, broaden our understanding, and change our perspective on what truly matters.
A Journey of Empathy and Compassion
Simon’s journey with the cross is a journey of empathy and compassion. By bearing the cross, Simon not only helps Jesus in a moment of need but also becomes a symbol of the Christian call to assist others in their suffering. This act of compassion, though compelled, becomes a powerful testimony to the value of helping others bear their burdens.
In our own lives, we are often called, sometimes unexpectedly, to step into roles of support and compassion. Like Simon, we may not feel prepared or willing, but these moments can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper connection to the humanity in others.
A Shift from the Ordinary to the Sacred
Simon’s journey also represents a shift from the ordinary to the sacred. An ordinary man, with no prior connection to Jesus or the events of the Passion, is drawn into a moment of immense spiritual significance. This reflects the idea that ordinary people can be called into sacred roles or moments, often when they least expect it.
This shift from the ordinary to the sacred is something that many of us experience in life, though perhaps in less dramatic ways. Moments of profound connection, compassion, or realization can transform ordinary experiences into something deeply meaningful, revealing the sacred within the mundane.
The Legacy of Simon’s Journey
While Simon of Cyrene disappears from the narrative after this moment, his brief role has left a lasting legacy in Christian thought. He is often seen as a model of discipleship, someone who took up the cross and followed Jesus, even if only for a short time.
This legacy invites us to consider the ways in which we, too, might be called to bear burdens, assist others, and participate in the suffering of the world. It challenges us to think about how we respond to the unexpected calls in our own lives and how those responses can lead to personal transformation.
Thinking for Ourselves, Embracing the Unexpected
Simon’s journey is a powerful reminder that life’s most profound moments often come when we least expect them, and they may not align with our ideals or plans. His story invites us to think for ourselves, to reflect on how we handle the unexpected challenges that come our way, and to recognize the potential for transformation in these moments.
Rather than matching Simon’s journey to a prescribed pattern, we are called to consider our own journeys. How do we respond when we are thrust into situations we did not choose? How do we bear the burdens of others, and how do those experiences shape us? Simon’s story encourages us to embrace the unexpected, to carry the crosses that come our way with compassion and courage, and to recognize that these moments, however challenging, can lead us closer to understanding the sacred truths of life.
