https://odb.org/MY/2022/04/15/simon-of-cyrene
https://www.biblword.net/what-is-the-weight-of-the-cross-that-jesus-carried/
The cross has over time become a symbol of our faith. Catholics make the sign of the cross as a way to prepare for prayer but more importantly to symbolise that they are Catholics. Non believers wear the cross as a pendant, an ornament but I believe those who do so harbour an inner desire to be Christian in faith. There are those who use the cross to identify themselves with Christianity although they may not actually profess the faith. That is why to the Muslims, it is sacrilegious for them to have anything to do with the cross as they may be branded as having crossed over to the other side. Elections have been lost with just a photo with a cross.
Although Jesus is usually pictured as having carried his cross, it is likely He carried the cross beam as that was the prevailing practice then. Also because the stake was usually already planted to the ground much earlier. It was nevertheless a heavy thing weighing 30-40 kgs. It would have been tough for Jesus to carry 30-40 kgs in His weakened state having been beaten and tortured before that. Fortunately, there was Simon of Cyrene who was forced to help Him. As it turned out, it was such a privilege and honour to be able to help Jesus carry His cross at such a difficult ahd torturous time. Of course, Jesus carried not just the physical cross but more significantly the sins of mankind upon His shoulders and won the victory. He was love crucified but arose! He won the victor’s crown! Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!
We cannot and will never be Simon of Cyrene. We are who we are, uniquely and wonderfully made by God in His image. What is within our power and control? Certainly our own life and our own actions and thoughts! Can we do as Jesus taught to honour Him? Can we be like Him more and more in our life to honour Him? Can we carry our own cross each day and crucify our old self daily that our new self in Christ may always be victorious in our life? We may not have been given the privilege to carry Jesus’s cross but let’s do our part to carry our own cross daily that His crucifixion and resurrection have some real meaning and impact in our life, that all that Christ did for each of us is not in vain. Love crucified arose indeed! Amen
Ronnie's Thoughts 