Can
the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother's pain
untold?
Pray for us, Virgin most sorrowful
That we may be made worthy of the promises
of Christ.
and we bless you.
Because by your holy cross
you have redeemed the world.
Station 5
(4)Jesus even experiences our struggle to receive help.
He is made to experience the poverty of not being able to carry his burden alone. He enters into the experience of all who must depend upon others to survive. He is deprived of the satisfaction of carrying this burden on his own.
I look into his face and contemplate his struggle. His weariness and fragility. His impotence. I see how he looks at Simon, with utmost humility and gratitude.
This is for me. So I feel anguish and gratitude. I express my thanks that he can continue this journey. That he has help. That he knows my inability to carry my burden alone. I say what is in my heart, with deep feeling.
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Meditation:
(2) Simon of Cyrene, called upon to carry the cross, doubtless had no wish to do so. (Mk 15, 21)
When the condemned man's shoulders became too weak, he lent him his.(Lk 23,26)
He moved along very close to Jesus, closer than Mary, closer than John who - though he too was a man - was not called upon to help. They called on him, Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus. They summoned him, they compelled him. (Mk 15,21)
How long did he go on resenting being forced into this?
We do not know.
St. Mark simply records the names of the Cyrenian's sons, and tradition has it that they were members of the Christian community close to St. Peter. (Rom 16,13)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Lord Jesus crucified, have mercy on us.
