Simon Does

Sometimes we need help carrying our cross, and a great example of this is found in the man the Roman authorities commanded to help Jesus carry his cross on the way to his crucifixion.

“As they were marching out, they came upon a mon of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross.” Matthew 27:32

Simon probably already had enough crosses in his life and when he was asked to pick up Jesus’ cross, couldn’t imagine carrying one more thing. But, that is what we are asked to do when we pray for people. We are asked to be Simons, where, through prayer, we lighten other people’s loads; we carry their crosses with them.

In the 1946 Frank Capra movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey, a discouraged man, is carrying his cross alone. Unable to bear the weight of his cross on his own, he goes to his nemesis to get out of his situation, evil personified Mr. Potter. This only makes his troubles worse, so, by himself he picks up his cross, which seems to be getting heavier with each step he takes, and drags it through the falling snow. Gasping for breath, he contemplates throwing both his cross and himself off a high bridge, into the turbulent waters below.

WIth this contemporary example of helping someone carry their cross, a foreshadowing is shown in the opening scene of the movie. The camera pans through the town and we are privy to people’s prayers said on behalf of George Bailey, this discouraged man. Through their prayers, they are helping to bear the weight of George’s cross:

- “I owe everything to George Bailey. Help him, dear father.” Mr Gower, the druggist

- “Joseph, Jesus and Mary, help my friend Mr. Bailey.” Mr Martini, Bar Owner

- “Help my son George tonight.” George’s mother

- “He never thinks about himself, God, that’s why he’s in trouble.” Neighbor

- “George is a good guy; give him a break, God.” Ernie, taxi driver

- “I love him dear Lord, watch over him tonight.” Wife, Mary

- “Please God, something is the matter with Daddy.” Daughter, Jane

- “Please bring Daddy back.” Daughter, ZuZu

These prayers average out to be 8.25 words per prayer. His mother’s prayer was a mere five words. Five!!! Why do we make intercessory prayer so hard? I use more words to order a coffee at Dunkin Donuts. “Could I please have a medium hot black coffee?” Nine words.

Prayer is not hard. Praying for other people is not hard. Ordering a cup of coffee is not hard.

Now, let’s reimagine this same scene with George dragging his cross, but this time look at all of the Simons helping carry his cross:

- Mr Gower and his gratitude.

- Mr Martini calling on the heavens.

- His mother, cradling the cross as she carries it.

- His neighbor, thankful for the witness of George’s life.

- Ernie, the taxi driver, a friend who cares.

- His wife, Mary, loving him every day and night.

- Janey and ZuZu, the daughters that want their father at peace.

His cross is not as heavy with the uplifting of these prayers said on his behalf. With each prayer that is lifted, so is the weight of his cross; his burden decreases as his support system increases.

Simon didn’t have a choice, he was commanded to help Jesus carry his cross. We have a choice whether or not we help someone carry their cross. Why not choose to help? On average, it only takes a prayer of 8.25 words.

Think of that the next time you order a coffee.