The Fifth Station – Simon of Cyrene Helps Jesus Carry His Cross
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world.
Simon of Cyrene was forced to help our exhausted Savior carry His Cross. How pleased would Jesus have been, had Simon offered his services on his own accord. However, Simon was not invited by Christ as you are. He says: “Take up your cross and follow Me.” Nevertheless you recoil, and carry it grudgingly.
O Jesus, whosoever does not take up his cross and follow Thee, is not worthy of Thee. Behold, I cheerfully join Thee on the way of the cross. I desire to carry it with all patience until death, that I may prove worthy of Thee. Behold, I join Thee in the Way of Thy Cross; I will be Thy assistant, following Thy bloody footsteps, that I may come to Thee in eternal life.
Our Father…; Hail Mary…; Glory Be…
V. Lord, Jesus, Crucified.
R. Have mercy on me.
Sung…Is there one who would not weep. Whelmed in miseries so deep. Christ’s dear Mother to behold.
Do something great for our Lord today – take up your cross. If that means staying home and isolating, let it be done unto me according to Thy will. If that means having to work the grocery line, the emergency room, as a first responder then that too according to Thy will. Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.
But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion – inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us so that in difficult moments we may not despair nor become despondent but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your Holy Will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 