THE FIFTH STATION OF THE CROSS
Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

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L:  We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
     (Bow)
All:  By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

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L:  As the soldiers led Jesus away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.    (Luke 23:26)

(Kneel/sit and pause for reflection)

L:  A disciple is not above the teacher:

All:  Nor a slave above the master;   it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;   and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.    (Matthew 10:24-25a, 37-38; 11:29-30)

L:  Let us pray.  Loving Father, you have called us into fellowship under the cross of your Son that we might bear your love to all in the world.  Help us to be as willing as Simon to bear the burdens of those in need, that all may be called out of the darkness into the light of your love;  through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All:  Amen

(Stand and move to the next station, singing:)

          Brave but trembling came the woman,
          None but she would flaunt the Roman,
          Moved by love beyond her fear.

On to THE SIXTH STATION
A Woman Offers Comfort to Jesus...

The Stations Of The Cross: . .

OPENING PRAYER
Before the Altar

THE FIRST STATION
Jesus Is Condemned to Death

THE SECOND STATION
Jesus Carries His Cross

THE THIRD STATION
Jesus Falls the First Time

THE FOURTH STATION
Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother

THE FIFTH STATION
Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

THE SIXTH STATION
A Woman Offers Comfort to Jesus

THE SEVENTH STATION
Jesus Falls a Second Time

THE EIGHTH STATION
Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

THE NINTH STATION
Jesus Falls a Third Time

THE TENTH STATION
Jesus Is Stripped of His Clothes

THE ELEVENTH STATION
Jesus Is Nailed to the Cross

THE TWELFTH STATION
Jesus Dies on the Cross

THE THIRTEENTH STATION
Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross

THE FOURTEENTH STATION
Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb

Closing Prayer
Before the Altar