The Eighth Station: Simon the Cyrenian helps Jesus to carry the Cross

Location: Birling Gap staircase

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

Genuflect

People: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.

Stand

Reader: A reading from the Gospel according to Mark (15:20–21)
And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

Sit/Kneel

Leader:
We remember Simon of Cyrene as an ordinary person, like all of us, and for what he did for Jesus. Simon was drafted to hasten Jesus’ crucifixion. We all need help and in his moment of suffering the need of Jesus reminds us of the humility of God. We accept God’s plan for us all and at that time the soldiers were directed to choose Simon of Cyrene, the first to take up his cross and follow.

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, when my strength fails, and my path is difficult, give me the spirit to overcome my suffering, and let my heart be pierced by the agony of Jesus as he carried his cross. Amen.

All stand

Leader: Lord, have mercy. People: Lord, have mercy.
Leader: Christ, have mercy. People: Christ, have mercy.
Leader: Lord, have mercy. People: Lord, have mercy.

 

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