Station 5: Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
Find Station #5: Large tree by playground
Prayer
Reader: We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
All: Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.
Reading
The soldiers grab someone to help Jesus. The man
looked angry at first, but now he seems almost happy to help. Who is this man?
He doesn’t look like he lives around here. I wonder if he knows Jesus. I wonder
if he is only doing what the soldiers told him to
.
Activity on the Church Grounds
For families: Find the big tree next to the playground. I wonder how old the tree is. It has always been rooted in the earth that holds it up and supports it. How heavy could a tree like this be? Look for branches that lean on one another -- they move together in the wind. We know the man from this station to be called Simon of Cyrene. He acts quietly with kindness after he is called on to do so. I wonder how it feels to have help or to give help while doing something difficult.
For adults: Heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served by but to serve: Bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and courage, they may minister in his Name to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Activity at Home
For all: Read Simon of Cyrene takes up Jesus' cross from Earnest Illustrations by Joe Mitchell and Tre Gibson.
Move on to Station 6: Bottom of stairs by playground (Memorial Garden)
