FIFTH STATION       
THE CYRENIAN HELPS JESUS CARRY THE CROSS

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

From the Gospel according to Matthew – Chapter 27.
As they went out, the came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name; this man they compelled to carry his cross. Jesus told his disciples, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

Meditation
Simon of Cyrene is on his way home, returning from work, when he comes upon the sad procession of the condemned – for him, perhaps, it was a common sight. The soldiers force this rugged man from the country to carry the cross on his own shoulders. How annoying he must have thought it to be suddenly caught up in the fate of those condemned men! He does what he must do, but reluctantly…The mystery of Jesus silent and suffering touched his heart. Jesus, whose divine love alone can redeem all humanity wants us to share his cross so that we can complete what is still lacking in his suffering (cf. Col 1:24). Whenever we show kindness to the suffering, the persecuted, and the defenseless, and share in their sufferings, we help to carry that same cross of Jesus. In this way, we obtain salvation and help contribute to the salvation of the world.

Prayer
Lord, you opened the eyes and heart of Simon of Cyrene, and you gave him, by his share in your cross, the grace of faith. Help us to aid our neighbors in need, even when this interferes with our own plans and desires. Help us to realize that it is a grace to be able to share the cross of others and, in this way, to know that we are walking with you along the way. Help us to appreciate with joy that when we share in your suffering and the sufferings of this world, we become servants of salvation and are able to help build up your Body, the Church.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Stabat Mater: Is there one who would not weep, whelmed in miseries so deep, Christ’s dear Mother to behold?