Simon Of Cyrene

[Thomas48]

Having passed Holy Week I have a question about Simon of Cyrene. I have always been very fond of Simon of Cyrene and I was just curious, what is the Catholic view of him? Do we revere Simon of Cyrene for helping Jesus carry his cross? Sometimes I hear that Simon was reluctant to carry Christs cross but eventually sympathized our Lord. Is it also true that he also defended Jesus against people who were harassing him on the road to Gagultha? I saw that when watching the “The Passion of the Christ” but perhaps the movie is historically inaccurate?

Simon of Cyrene
youtube.com/watch?v=38zQWAjHtYA

 

[Edward_H]

Great question. I have always heard good things about him. Apparently his two sons went on to become greatly respected early Christians. Rufus was one of his sons.

I think we can draw upon Simon’s example, and I think God is so generous with us that He gives each of us many ways to be just like Simon, carrying Jesus “cross” in our daily lives…this setback, that flat tire, this dirty diaper, this tough meeting, or annoyance.

Every day in a hundred ways we can be Simon. Unity with Christ’s suffering…what better way than to offer to be Christ’s Simon today.

 

[littlenothing]

During Stations there is one meditation we read this year that said, “Dont let me be like Simon”. I always thought Simon was a good man, forced to carry the Cross when he understood nothing that was going on, and being changed for carrying the Cross well. I don’t recall anything in Scripture saying Simon was a bad man, or that he mocked or insulted Jesus. I think Simon is like any of us when we are given some sickness, trouble or affliction that we didn’t ask for, didn’t know was coming and can’t explain. We should carry it with Jesus, as Simon did.

 

[aspirant]

I have always been very fond of Simon of Cyrene and I was just curious, what is the Catholic view of him?

He is a saint whose memorial is traditionally observed on the 1st of December.

 

[quiet52]

I love St. Simon, and I ask him to pray for me.

I thank God for sending other St. Simons to me, to help me to carry my crosses.

I thank God for helping me to be a St. Simon to others now and then.

It is possible that he was reluctant to help Jesus – we don’t truly know what his thoughts were – but he remained with Jesus and fell in love with Him. There is no sin in “feeling reluctant” – it’s making the decision to love our Lord and to love others, by what we do or don’t do in responding to their needs, that counts. What a model St. Simon of Cyrene has been for me!