Fifth Station: The Cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene
A reading from the Gospel according to Mark
Then they led him out to crucify him. They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene. (Mark 15:20b-21)
Silent Reflection
A Hymn to the Cross, by Fortunatus (6th Century)
(Hymn #166 in the Hymnal 1982)
Faithful cross, above all other: one and only noble tree!
None in foliage, none in blossom, none in fruit thy peer may be:
sweetest wood and sweetest iron, sweetest weight is hung on thee.
Bend thy boughs, O tree of glory! Thy relaxing sinews bend;
for awhile the ancient rigor that thy birth bestowed, suspend;
and the King of heavenly beauty gently on thine arms extend.
Holy God, Holy and mighty, Holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.