THE FIFTH STATION

SIMON 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 SACRED SCRIPTURE

Gospel of Matthew 27: 32

As they were marching out, 

they came upon man of Cyrene,

Simon by name;

this man they compelled

to carry his cross. 

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Let us consider

Jesus looking deep in the eyes

of Simon the Cyrenian.

Simon's arms meet the arms of Jesus,

wrapped around the Cross.

Simon can feel the exhaustion

of Jesus' body begging for help.

As their eyes meet,

and their arms intertwine,

Jesus whispers the words

of Psalm 69 to Simon.

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PSALM

Let not those who hope in you

be put to shame through me

O Lord God of hosts;

let not those who seek you

be brought to dishonor through me,

O God of Israel.

For zeal for your house

has consumed me,

and the insults of those

who insult you

have fallen on me.

​

But as for me, 

my prayer is to you, O Lord.

At an acceptable time, O God,

in the abundance of your mercy,

answer me.

But I am afflicted

and in pain;

let your salvation, O God,

set me on high!

I will praise the name of God

with a song;

I will magnify him

with thanksgiving.

- Psalm 69:6, 9, 13, 29-30

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HYMN

O, thou Mother, fount of love!

Touch my spirit from above,

make my heart with thine accord.