† The Fifth Station

V Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

…this man they pressed into service to carry his cross

And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. Jn 27:31-32

The gift of this station is service. Big, strong, and available, Simon of Cyrene was a steward in spite of himself, putting those gifts to use in the service of the Lord. We have gifts to share, too, and we share them best when we are “bearing one another’s burdens,” engaged in the loving service of our neighbor.

Save us, Savior of the world, for by your cross and resurrection,
You have set us free.