The Fifth Station
Simon helps Jesus carry His Cross
Matthew 27: 30-32 - They spat on Him, and took the stick and hit Him over the head. When they had finished making fun of him, they took the robe off and put his own clothes back on Him. Then they led Him out to crucify Him.
Galatians 6:2 - Help carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.
Meditation:
The soldiers see that Jesus is weak. They are afraid that He might die before He gets to the place where he is to be crucified. This will never do since the soldiers want Him to die in humiliation on the cross. The soldiers see Simon of Cyrene. A soldier pushes Simon toward Jesus telling him to carry the cross. Simon sees Jesus is bruised and bleeding . He picks up the cross. He carries it for Jesus. They move on. Simon carrying the cross for Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, sometimes I pretend not to hear or not to see when someone is in need. Secretly, I hope I won’t have to get involved and that someone else will do whatever needs to be done. I leave when I know others could use my help. You gave help to everyone. When You needed help, you accepted it. Help me to give help to others and to accept help from others. Help me be a friend to the friendless. Help me to help those in need. This I ask, in Jesus’ name. Amen.