Station V.
Christ assisted by Simon the Cyrenean to carry the Cross.
V. We adore Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, and bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
The Mystery.
HE fifth Station represents Christ fainting, destitute of strength, unable to
carry the Cross. His sacrilegious executioners compel Simon the Cyrenean,
to carry it, not through compassionate pity to Jesus, but lest he should expire
in their hand, before they could glut their vengeance by nailing Him to the
Cross.
Consider here the repugnance of Simon to carry the Cross after Christ; and that
you with repugnance, and by compulsion, carry the Cross which Providence has placed on
your shoulders. Will you spurn the love of your Jesus, who invites you to take up your
Cross and follow Him? Will you yet with shameless ingratitude refuse the Cross, sanctified by His suffering? Offer up devoutly the following.
Prayer.
SUFFERING Jesus! to what excess did Thy impious executioners' cruelty
proceed! Beholding Thee faint under the Cross, apprehensive of Thy death
before they could complete their bloody intentions, they compel Simon to
carry the Cross that Thou mightest expire on it in the most exquisite torture.
But why should I complain of the cruelty of the Jews or the repugnance of Simon?
Have I not again crucified Thee by my crimes? Have I not suffered with fretful impatience the light afflictions with which Thy mercy visited me? Inspire me now, my Jesus,
to detest and deplore my sinful impatience, my ungrateful murmurs, and let me with all
my heart cheerfully accompany Thee to Mount Calvary; let me live in Thee, and die in
Thee. Amen, Jesus.
Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c. Glory, &c.
Jesus Christ crucified, have mercy on us!
The furious Jews when Jesus fainting fell
Simon to bear His Cross, by force compel;
Afflictions bear like Job most patiently,
And follow the Lamb with great humility.
