Simon & The Unexpected Cross

Why is Simon of Cyrene a model of compassion? He didn’t lovingly volunteer to carry Jesus’ Cross. He was forced to do so! The Gospels, however, give us one small detail that indicates Simon was personally transformed through his encounter with the Cross on Good Friday.  And his example reminds us that the crosses bearing the most fruit are often not the ones we seek out, but the unexpected crosses--if we embrace them when they come.