Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry his Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.

Because by Your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.

As Jesus continued his way to crucifixion, he was struggling under the heavy weight.  So the guards pressed into service a certain passer-by, Simon, a Cyrenian, father of Alexander and Rufus, who was coming in from the country, to help Jesus carry his cross.  (Mk 15: 21)

With a loud voice I cry out to the Lord; with a loud voice I beseech the Lord.  My complaint I      pour out to him; before him I lay bare my  distress.  When my spirit faints within me, You know my path.  In the way along which I walk they have hid a trap for me. I look to the right to see, but there is no one who pays me heed.  I have lost all means of escape; there is no one who cares for my life. (Ps. 141: 2 – 5)

Let us pray.  Lord Jesus, help us to see in the suffering and shortcomings of our lives a share in Your Cross; strengthen and console us in the belief that we bear all things in union with You, who have taken upon Yourself even our guilt.  Empower us to carry the burdens of others and lighten their journey in heavy and painful times.   Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.

Amen.

Processional Song:

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh!  Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble!
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to a tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to a tree?
Oh!  Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble!
Were you there when they nailed him to a tree?

Stations of the Cross Images courtesy of carmelites.net