Station 05

Exiting the courtyard of the Armenian Catholic Church, turn left. After 50 meters, make a sharp turn to the right in order to ascend. Following tradition, it is at this junction that the soldiers seized a bystander, Simon of Cyrene, and ordered him to take up the cross that Jesus had been carrying.

Roman rule extended throughout the Roman Empire. It was law that a soldier could force a bystander on the road to carry his personal belongings for a mile. Roman roads where marked with milestones and therefore it was easily noted how far the bystander needed to go. During His ministry Jesus had told his listeners “not to withstand an evil person (Matthew 5:39)” and “when someone asks you to go one mile then go with him two (Matthew 5:41)”. Those words clearly referred to this Roman custom.

Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who are later mentioned in Scripture as members of the early church, belonged to a Jewish community in Cyrene, which is modern day Libya. This experience had a profound effect on Simon, we have evidence that he came to faith and that he and his sons became followers of Jesus while being on this pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Reflection

Jesus said to His disciples: ”Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny himself and take up their cross and follow me.” Simon is ready to go without any objections and carry the cross of this stranger. It is a great example for all of us what it really means to take up our cross.

Prayer

Lord, show me what it means to be your disciple and help me to take up my cross and follow you. Let me be ready when you need me.