Simon of Cyrene

[IrishAm]

Having read a book recently based on the legend of Joseph of Aramethea following the crucifixion, I was praying the Stations of the Cross and began to meditate on some of the other personalities, particularly Simon of Cyrene. Scripture says very little about him, but I wondered if anyone here knows of any legends or Church teachings which have sprung up around this stranger who helped carry our Lord’s cross on the way to Calvary?

I wonder if he was just a random stranger, a Jew in town for the Passover, a follower of Christ, or someone watching the scene the way people look at a car accident in macabre interest. Even if he had never heard of Jesus, how did it affect him to be that close to our Lord, to mix sweat and blood as they carried the burden of the cross. Did Jesus speak to him? Was he changed forevermore?

I tried to “Google” him, but found no traditions that speak of the man who bore the cross with Jesus. So I’m turning to the experts here.

Thanks in advance for sharing any knowledge or speculation.

 

[Belle10]

Well, I’m no expert, but my understanding is that he was just a bystander who the Roman soldiers pulled out of the crowd to help carry the cross. (I do believe he was Jewish.) The most I know about him is how he is depicted in Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.” Since the rest of that film is excellent and accurate, I tend to think the portrayal of Simon of Cyrene is as well, but again, I’m no expert. At first he doesn’t want to help, fearful for his own life. Throughout the walk though, he sees Jesus for who He is, and upon reaching Calvary, he is saddened and no doubt changed forever. I like to think that he repented and accepted Jesus as his savior, but I don’t know if there’s any writings or anything to show that…(experts chime in please )

If nothing else, I think we can look at him as an example of someone who didn’t want suffering, was fearful, yet picked up that heavy cross anyway. Yes, in the beginning he was forced to, but as he moved along the road, he then chose to continue out of love (according to the movie version anyway). If you haven’t seen the movie, I highly suggest you do: the compassion depicted by the character of Simon is certainly worth emulating.

 

[MarieVeronica]

If nothing else, I think we can look at him as an example of someone who didn’t want suffering, was fearful, yet picked up that heavy cross anyway. Yes, in the beginning he was forced to, but as he moved along the road, he then chose to continue out of love (according to the movie version anyway). If you haven’t seen the movie, I highly suggest you do: the compassion depicted by the character of Simon is certainly worth emulating.

Your words really touched me. I have found myself in this very situation, as a caregiver to a parent with Alzheimer’s. From now on, I will think of Simon of Cyrene… when things get difficult; and I will try to look beyond him, at Our Lord… Who carries the real Cross. Thank you, for giving me a new way to look at suffering. God bless.

 

[Tenebrae]

Simon must have been converted through this experience, since St. Mark refers to him as the father of Alexander and Rufus, two people who must have been well known in the early Christian community.

 

[IrishAm]

When Simon was finally released from his duty by the Romans, can’t you just see Jesus touching his shoulder and saying, “Thank you, friend.” How I would like to live a life that led to His saying that to me . . .

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Simon must have been converted through this experience, since St. Mark refers to him as the father of Alexander and Rufus, two people who must have been well known in the early Christian community.

I have heard it claimed that Alexander and Rufus eventually became bishops. I don’t remember where or have a source now.

 

[Belle10]

Your words really touched me. I have found myself in this very situation, as a caregiver to a parent with Alzheimer’s. From now on, I will think of Simon of Cyrene… when things get difficult; and I will try to look beyond him, at Our Lord… Who carries the real Cross. Thank you, for giving me a new way to look at suffering. God bless.

My grandfather has Alzheimer’s and my grandmother isn’t able to care for him on her own anymore, so my mother and her sisters are going through it too. I see how difficult it is (I don’t live in the same town anymore) and it certainly is incredibly difficult, not just taking care of that person, but dealing with the fact that they are no longer who they used to be. :hug1:

I’m certainly no expert on suffering, I’m just trying to make my way through it too. Some days are easier than others…it seems that there are great lessons that often come out of suffering, if we can find them. God bless you too, PM me if I can help you with anything.

When Simon was finally released from his duty by the Romans, can’t you just see Jesus touching his shoulder and saying, “Thank you, friend.” How I would like to live a life that led to His saying that to me . . .

What a beautiful thought! Yes, I hope when I see Jesus one day He’ll say that to me. :heaven: Thanks for sharing this!