Fifth Station. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross.

We adore you, Christ, and we praise you.

Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the World.

Mark, chapter 15, verses 20 to 22. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull).

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end.

Even as Jesus struggled with the weight of the cross, assistance came to him through a stranger, a man from the fields. Simon, the outsider, by lifting the wood, helped bear the struggles of us all. Lord, grant us the clarity to see the needs of the stranger, so we might help bear struggles like Simon.