After they led him out to crucify him, they compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the
country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
(Mark
15:20-21)
There is a building on the Via Dolorosa at the spot where it is believed that Simon was forced to
carry the cross of Jesus. It is normally locked, and is covered in graffiti. As we stopped to look at
this place where a stranger was forced to offer our Lord this unexpected gesture of charity, a
blind man with a guide came round the corner and passed us by. I doubt that the place where
Simon had been standing, watching the events in Jerusalem 2000 years ago, was any less ugly,
but it was made holy by the uncomplaining acceptance that Simon showed.
Lord, when we least expect it, sometimes we, too, are called to play a part in circumstances we
may not fully understand. Teach us, who chose to follow in the way of your Cross, always to be
ready to shoulder other people's burdens without complaint or protest, for you bore the burden of
all our sin without complaint. We ask this in your name. Amen.
