By Rev. Dr. Nelda Barrette Murriane, First United Methodist Church of Kennedale ??
As they were going out, they found Simon, a man from Cyrene. They forced him to carry his cross. (Matthew 27:32). {{more: continue …}}
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In the stories I heard growing up, Simon of Cyrene was a black man. While the association may stem from Cyrene?s location in North Africa (modern-day Libya), the power lies in racial experience. We claim Simon with reference not to geography but to identity. His dignity, power, and humanity relate to oppression. Simon of Cyrene, the black man in society, helping God carry his burden.?
Almost everyday, I used to pass the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial in Lincoln Park in Washington, D.C. Erected in 1974?the first statue on public land in the U.S. capital to honor a woman and an African-American. This memorial remembers the famous African American educator, activist, stateswoman, and philanthropist who assumed these roles at a time when society was hell-bent on denying them to her and others like her. Mary embodied the motto ?lifting as we climb? and in this, reminds me of Simon.
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In Mary and Simon we see the oppressed helping the oppressed. This image speaks not only to the depths of oppression but also to the power of the oppressed. I imagine that Simon was a profound presence of solidarity to Jesus as they struggled together to Calvary. Forced to help Jesus carry the cross, Simon may have ignored his companion?or he may have helped him with intention, perhaps shouldering more of the cross when Jesus could not, perhaps pausing to help Christ catch his breath. Even without saying a word, Simon showed to God and the world, the existence of love and care by bearing another’s burdens in suffering and thus, the power of the oppressed.
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The memorial to Mary in Lincoln Park depicts her passing on her legacy to two black children. The memorial to Mary uplifts the narrative of suffering. Simon of Cyrene and Mary McLeod Bethune retell the story of oppression, revealing the dignity, power, and compassion.
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“I don’t know how, but I know WHO!”
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See you on Sunday!
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Peace,
Pastor Nelda
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