Becoming Simon of Cyrene - An Invitation To Imaginative Prayer

Becoming Simon of Cyrene - An Invitation To Imaginative Prayer

Simon of Cyrene

By Sieger Koder

I love this painting by Sieger Koder, of Simon of Cyrene helping Jesus carry the cross. They stand side by side, pressed together, arms around one another, holding the cross. In this heartbreaking scene from Jesus’ passion, Simon is the one closest to him, bearing Jesus’ burdens. As we pray the Ignatian Exercises we discover a deep desire to be close to Jesus, as close as Simon was that day. 

As an experience of love and to bind us more closely to him, we are invited to enter into the scene and become Simon. We are invited to use our imagination to become the person who is that close to Jesus, helping Jesus carry the cross when he doesn’t have the strength to on his own. 

Engage your senses. What do you hear? What do you smell? What do you taste? what do you feel? What do you see? -The crowds, the soldiers, the women, and most importantly Jesus. What emotions do you experience? Is there love and compassion for him in your heart? Is your heart heavy with sorrow? Do you get a sense of what Jesus feels, what is on his heart? What do you say to him as you carry the cross together? What does he say to you?

Let the Spirit lead you and inspire your imagination. Receive everything as a gift. If you feel the prompting to respond in a particular way, don’t hesitate to do so. Let this experience bind you to him in love.

When you are done spending time with Jesus in this scene, take a few moments to speak to Jesus, to say what you want to say to him about this experience. Then listen to see what he is saying to you in response. Give thanks for what you have been given.

© Dale Gish 2020. All Rights Reserved.

If you are interested in praying the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius with me starting in September 2021, please contact me.