Simon of Cyrene’s story

‘…they led Jesus out to crucify him. A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.’ (Mark 15:20b-21)

A man named ‘Rufus, chosen in the Lord’ is included in the greetings at the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans (16:13). Could this be Simon’s son? Was this meeting the beginning of a journey of faith for Simon and his family? Ben’s reflection describes Simon’s life-changing encounter with Jesus.

Simon – In from the country, on his way.

I had always been nervous in cities; necessary journeys, but anxious ones. 
You never knew what trouble you might get caught up in: an overzealous believer, a belligerent soldier, a tax collector who saw you as an opportunity.

Yes, I took extra care in the Holy City.  I was kicking myself when I heard the crowd of wailers, looked for a route to slip away.  But the mass of people surged, there was no chance of escape.  It was all I could do to hold on to my wits, as I became another witness.

The condemned man stumbled at my feet.  Brutal hands seized me, barked instructions in a language not my own.  Suddenly I was shoved towards this broken body. His cross now mine to carry.  

We stumbled on together, sharing such a heavy yoke. I knew the distance well, but couldn’t tell you how long we walked.  In truth, I’m still walking.  Seized by more than Roman hands.