The Way of the Cross
Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross
THE fifth Station represents Christ Fainting. destitute of strength, unable to carry the Cross. His sacrilegious executioners compel Simon the Cyrencan to carry it, not through compassionate pity to Jesus, but lest He should expire at their hand, before they could glut their vengeance by nailing him to the Cross.
Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.
All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.
Jesus, the soldiers are becoming impatient. This is taking longer than they
wanted it to. They are afraid you won't make it to the hill where you will be
crucified. As you grow weaker, they grab a man out of the crowd and make him
help carry your cross. He was just watching what was happening, but all of a
sudden he is helping you carry your cross.
As a child, sometimes I see people who need my help. Sometimes I pretend not to
hear when my parents call me. I disappear when I know others could use my help.
As an adult, sometimes I try to do as little as I can and still get by. Others
might need my help, but I ignore their needs. Even when I'm asked to help, I
sometimes claim to be too busy.
My Jesus, blest, thrice blest was he who aided Thee to bear the cross. Blest too
shall I be if I aid Thee to bear the cross, by patiently bowing my neck to the
crosses Thou shalt send me during life. My Jesus, give me grace to do so.
Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....
Leader - Jesus Christ Crucified.
All - Have mercy on Us.
Leader - May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest
in peace.
All - Amen.
Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother’s pain untold?