Garabandal Station 05

San Sabastian de Garabandal Station 05 of the Cross is a moment that captures the profound human and spiritual dynamics of the Passion of Jesus Christ.

At this station of the cross I am a witness of Simon of Cyrene stepping into an unexpected role that even he was unsure of getting involved with the Roman soldiers. Simon's compassion to assist Jesus was second guessed.

To assist Jesus in carrying His cross was an act of kindness. This station brings to light the themes of solidarity, compassion, and the shared burden of suffering.

V. We adore you, O Christ,
and we bless you.


R. Because by your holy Cross,
you have redeemed the world.

Jesus, are you unable to proceed without help?
The soldiers are impatient and grabs a man from the crowd to help carry the cross. Jesus had just seen his mother, could she have prayed for God to send Help? Yes, I believe she did.
As I pray to Mother Mary to help me to.

My most sweet Jesus, I will not refuse the cross, as the Cyrenean did. I accept it; I embrace it. I accept in particular the death destined for me. I unite it to Thy death; I offer it to Thee. 
The Way of the Cross of Saint Alphonsus Liquori

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...

v. Have Mercy upon us O Lord.
r. Have Mercy on us.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Here are a couple of questions to spark our consciousness.

Can you reflect on a time when you witnessed or participated in an act of compassion?
Did this experience affect your faith and understanding of solidarity?
How can you, like Simon, offer help to others even when it is inconvenient or unexpected?

Consider the times when you have carried someone else's burden or when someone has help you carry yours.
How did this shared experience impact your relationship with that person?
How can the example of Simon inspire you to be more willing to help others in their times of need?

Mary’s presence during this station serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in silent support and unwavering faith.
How can you draw inspiration from Mary to support others in their times of suffering?
How can her example help you to remain steadfast in your faith, even when faced with overwhelming sorrow?

Reflect on moments when you might have been indifferent to someone else's suffering.
How can you cultivate a more compassionate and empathetic heart?
What steps can you take to ensure that you do not become desensitized to the pain of others?

The crowd’s varied reactions invite us to examine our own responses to suffering and injustice.
What kind of bystander in the crowd are you?
Do you actively seek to offer comfort and support without thought?
How can you be a more active and compassionate participant in addressing the needs of those around you?

This photo of the gate that I took at the top of the mountain in Garabandal reminded me of a welcoming from our Lord Jesus. Here I am contemplating Simon giving Jesus his help to carry the cross.
What a beautiful act of love and kindness for another to help. 
Do you really need my help, Lord?  I hear you in my heart tell me,
ask me for help and I will help you carry your cross.

My Personal Prayer
Blessed Mother help me realize how weak I am and need Jesus' help every day of my life. Teach me to have compassion and be ready to help other in need.

Living out your faith can be as unique and varied as you are.
Find what resonates with you and let it guide your actions.

1. Acts of Kindness and Service: Volunteering at local shelters, food banks, or community centers. Helping neighbors with errands or offering support in times of need.

2. Prayer and Meditation: Setting aside time each day for personal prayer, meditation, and reflection. Don't forget to pray the Rosary.

3. Sacramental Life: Regularly attending Mass and participating in the sacraments. This includes Reconciliation, which allows for spiritual healing and growth.

4. Study and Education: Reading and studying the Bible and other spiritual texts. I spend most of my time reading spiritual books, learning what I can about the Saints.

5. Building Community: Being actively involved in your parish or church community. This can include participating in church events, joining committees, or forming small faith-sharing groups. I am involved with Parish Council and Counting Ministry. 

6. Environmental Stewardship: Caring for God’s creation by participating in or organizing environmental clean-up projects. Reducing waste, recycling, and promoting sustainable living.

7. Advocacy and Justice: Engaging in social justice work. This can include advocating for the marginalized, supporting charitable organizations, and working towards a fair and just society.

8. Compassionate Listening: Offering a listening ear to those who need to talk. Sometimes, simply being present and empathetic can be a powerful act of faith.

9. Practicing Gratitude: Maintaining a gratitude journal or regularly reflecting on the blessings in your life. This helps to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and contentment.

10. Sharing Your Faith: Speaking about your faith with others when appropriate. Sharing personal testimonies, participating in evangelization efforts, or leading a faith-based study group. For me this website is my personal Faith sharing and personal gratitude journal.

On a personal note, I am working on some or part of the above suggestions. My spiritual journey is a slow steady process as I grow in Christ. Working on the stations of the cross is a reminder for me to look deeper into my heart for what Jesus is teaching me, especially Garabandal Station 05.

San Sabastian de Garabandal Station 05 of the Cross provides an opportunity for a deep spiritual experience. To reflect on Christ's sufferings, I get a chance to share in His burdens.

By contemplating Simon’s unexpected role, I find the inspiration in my own journey of faith, recognizing that acts of compassion and solidarity are not only acts of love but also participate in the redemptive work of Christ.

This reflection has given me the chance to see beyond the physical act of Simon assisting in carrying the cross. But seeing the power of mercy and compassion.

This reflection helps believers to deepen their own spiritual lives, encouraging them to embody the virtues of faith, hope, and love in their daily interactions.

All Stations of the Cross
Pray the Rosary