Station V

Station V: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his cross

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you:
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Reading:

As they led Jesus away, they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross to carry it behind Jesus. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Whoever does not bear their own cross and come after me:
Cannot be my disciple.

Reflection:

Christ speaks: 

My strength is gone; I can no longer bear the cross alone and so the legionnaires make Simon give me aid. This Simon is like you, my other self.

Give me your strength.

Each time you lift some burden from another’s back, you lift as with your very hand the cross’s awful weight that crushes me.

I reply: 

Lord, make me realize that every time I wipe a dish, pick up an object off the floor, assist a child in some small task, or give another preference In the traffic or the store; each time I feed the hungry, clothe the naked, teach the ignorant, or lend my hand in any way— it matters not to whom— my name is Simon. And the kindness extend to them I really give to you.

(From Everyone’s Way of the Cross, Ava Maria Press Inc., 2014)

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

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