Simon of Cyrene

Biblical Reference: Matthew 27.32; Mark 15.21; Luke 23.26.

Simon of Cyrene is a poetic meditation by Simon of Cyrene. It represents reminiscences of Simon at a much later time when he has reflected on the events of that day in the light of Christian faith. And the name and experience of Simon would surely not have appeared in the gospel record if he had not become a member of the Christian community.

Long and tedious was the road
that brought me to Jerusalem!
How I longed
for Passover!

Merchant shipping was delayed -
all conspired to make me late,
almost late
for Passover!

Late along the road I came,
saw the Temple glow like flame!
How I longed
for Passover!

Tiring, so I could not run,
trudging wearily must come,
almost late
for Passover!

Now I see a dusty cloud
swirling round a noisy crowd
on the road
to Calvary!

Passover I've come to eat,
not to see these marching feet
on the road
to Calvary!

Now I see one bruised and goaded,
stumbling under cross-bar loaded,
on the road
to Calvary!

Hand upon me, voice commanding,
"Take the cross and bear it for him!"
on the road
to Calvary!

Cross I carry, load I lighten,
yet my load he carries for me
on that cross
on Calvary!

Heavy beam that low had bowed him
bears him as my sin assails him
on that cross
on Calvary!

"It is finished!" hear him crying
as for me I see him dying
on that cross
on Calvary!

Passover - the lamb is slain,
bearing all my guilt and pain
on that cross
on Calvary!

From Between the Lines. Dialogues for Worship by Peter J. Blackburn published by Testimonium Fellowship 1992, © Peter J. Blackburn.
Permission is given for copying of this document for local use with this copyright notice intact. For any other proposed use the specific permission of Peter J. Blackburn must be sought.
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