Lent Reflection, Day 33, April 7

As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross.
Matthew 27:32

Additional Reading: Luke 9:18-27

We can never accuse Jesus of hiding the true costs of discipleship. Put simply, the cross is part of the journey for everyone who chooses to follow. It is his cross we carry, made our own by virtue of our baptism into his life.

On Jesus’ last journey down the familiar road from Jerusalem, a scene unfolds, searing a vivid picture into every mind that so recently heard him declare, “You must take up your cross, too, if you would follow me.” A man named Simon is accosted by Roman soldiers. A load almost too heavy for him to bear is thrust onto his shoulders. The ache borne in Jesus’ body is shared by him in a stark and visceral way. Side by Side, they stumble along, the great contest in the heavenly quite unknown to Simon.

Note this: Simon’s personal cross is also Jesus’ cross. Simon’s personal cross is not private, but dragged past the crowd. His cross is real, visible and heavy. For those moments, he and Jesus connect as one man sharing one sorrow.

My cross is just as real. It is carried down the streets of my life and into my work and home. Illness, loss of a dream, depression, rejection by a friend, separation from a loved one, persecution for my faith or just plain weariness from the long walk of obedience to God – these may be what I carry today. Or possibly my own cross is uncommonly heavy because I also bear your burdens on this day. Whether yours or mine, this cross also belongs to Jesus, because we belong to him. So, together we stumble along, side by side, the great contest in the heavenly realm largely unknown to us, too.

Prayer: Father, grant us the courage to take Jesus up on the call to carry our cross. Remind us today that you walk every step with us. Your strength is our strength and we thank you for that reality.