THE FIFTH STATION.  Jesus is helped by Simon of Cyrene

The moment comes when they cannot go on,
when they can no longer advance.
It is here that we find our place, when you permit
that we, too, might be of use,
even if by force, for your Cross.
Thus Simon of Cyrene,
who was summoned to this piece of wood.
He takes it up firmly and walks behind Jesus,
so that nothing of the Cross drag on the ground,
and be lost.

Continue to STATION VI

Art by Joan Brand-Landkamer.  Meditations by Paul Claudel.
Photos (c) St. James Cathedral, 2010.  All rights reserved.