Fifth Station of the Cross

Subject Matter: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

Free Religion Lesson from Our Holy Faith, Book 1 Teacher’s Manual

Objectives

• To increase in knowledge of the events of Christ’s passion
• To develop a desire to be kind to others for the love of the suffering Jesus

Approach

When your mother is carrying something heavy, don’t you run to help her? Jesus’ cross was very heavy, but the soldiers wouldn’t let anyone help Him.

Presentation

The Weakness of Jesus

By now our Savior was terribly weak. He had lost a great amount of blood and His entire body ached from the wounds He had received. He could barely move. Yet He was struggling on, for He knew that His heavenly Father willed that He suffer death on Calvary for our sins. (Show picture of fifth Station)

Simon is Forced to Help Jesus

The soldiers were now afraid that Jesus might not make it to Calvary. They therefore forced Simon, a man from Cyrene, to help Jesus carry the cross. At first Simon was unwilling to help our Lord, but one glance from Jesus told him how much Jesus was suffering and how much He would appreciate any help. Because he helped to carry the cross, Simon received the gift of faith and became one of Jesus’ followers.

How We Can Help

We can, like Simon, help Jesus carry His cross. We can help Him by taking the little crosses He sends us. We can be good and uncomplaining. If we are hurt or suffer something, we can offer this to God and forgive all those who hurt us.

Organization

• Why did the soldiers force Simon to help Jesus carry His cross?
• Why didn’t Simon want to help Jesus at first?
• What made Simon happy to help Jesus?
• How can we help Jesus carry the cross?

Virtues and Practices

• Show kindness to others for the love of Jesus
• Be a cheerful giver by offering to help others before you are asked to do so.

Suggested Learning Activities

• Discuss the daily acts of kindness we can perform for others.
• Study the picture and discuss
• Compose and chart an original prayer for the fifth Station
• Poem: “Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross,” Belger, Sing a Song of Holy Things, p 65