The Street (full version) : Station V. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross

He didn't choose to help.

He was compelled.

With half an eye they could see he was up to the job;

he was a big guy up from the south.

O Simon from Cyrene,

father of Rufus and Alexander,

you were the first to take up your cross and follow.

Your cross is the cross of forced labour:

your yoke chafes and your burden is as much as you can bear.

Jesus is walking in front of you,

you are hard on his heels.

What brought you to Jerusalem?

Were you here for the Passover?

Going up to the Temple to make the sacrifice and eat the lamb?

Pharoah enslaved us and laid burdens upon us, and look, here we are.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God,

who brought us out of the land of Egypt,

out of the house of bondage.

You shall not oppress a stranger,

for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.

You shall not oppress a stranger,

for I, the Lord your God am holy.

Even here, even in occupied Jerusalem.

Your children will praise your name.

Senex puerum portabat,

puer autem senem regebat:

quem Virgo peperit,

et post partum Virgo permansit:

ipsum quem genuit, adoravit.