Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross.
Our
Father....
Hail Mary....
Glory Be to the Father....
I
could now see almost complete helplessness on the face of my son
as he tried to carry his heavy load. Each step looked as if it
would be his last. I felt his every pain in my heart and I wanted
the whole thing to end. Then I noticed some commotion near Jesus.
The Romans had pulled a protesting man from the crowd. They forced
him to shoulder my Son’s cross, to link arms with him under
its crushing weight. May God grant this bystander to do what I
wish to do—to help carry my Son’s burden!
I desire you all to be Simon, poor Simon, who at first refused to help my Son,
but who gradually realized who was the guilty one. I desire you to love the cross
very
much and link arms with my Son in bearing the suffering of humanity, to help
him in saving humanity from destruction. I would have you be spouses of Jesus
Christ crucified.
Prayer: O Christ, you gave to Simon of Cyrene the
dignity of helping you to carry your Cross. Welcome us too under
its weight. Do not permit that we should turn away from those who
are crushed by the cross of illness or loneliness, hunger or injustice.
As we carry each other’s burdens, help us to become witnesses
to the gospel of the Cross and witnesses to you, who live and reign
for ever and ever.
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