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The Cross is Laid on Simon
of Cyrene
Kneel |
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Presider: |
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We adore you, O Christ, and we praise
you. |
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All: |
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Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world. |
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Arise |
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Presider: |
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As the strength of Jesus fails, and
he is unable to proceed, the executioners seize and
compel Simon of Cyrene to carry his cross. The virtue
of that cross changed his heart, and from being a compulsory
task, it became a privilege and joy. |
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O Lord, Jesus, may it be our privilege
also to bear your cross; may we glory in nothing else;
by it may the world be crucified unto us, and we to
the world; may we never shrink from suffering, but rather
rejoice if we be counted worthy to suffer for your Name's
sake. |
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Reader: |
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As the chief priests, the ruling class,
and the people led Jesus away, they laid hold of one
Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the fields.
They put a crossbeam on Simon's shoulder for him to
carry along behind Jesus. |
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All: |
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If a man wishes to come after me, he
must deny his very self, take up his cross, and begin
to follow in my footsteps. |
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All sing: |
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Is there one who would not weep,
'Whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold? |
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Station 4
