Eighth Station Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus with the cross Mark 15: 21 I had no interest in witnessing his shame; until I found myself in the crowd, crowing without reason for him to take their blame. I waivered, nonplussed, then felt myself pushed to the front; close enough to touch him as he passed, carrying the crossbeam on his back. Then seeing him fall, face-down into the dust. I should have left then, but was seized by a soldier, to support him to his cross A shipwreck of a man, unable to stand; so, I helped take that thing from off his back. The soldiers kicked him, laughing offhand; their indifference worse than cruelty. He got to his feet, shaking his head, then looked into may face – I was taken aback; I expected a man beaten by pain, and great suffering there certainly was, but along with that there was also great pity. I supported him, by carrying his beam all the way, until we reached Calvary. I know I should have stayed but was afraid; an entitled Jew, I had become unclean just by his touch, and I could not be seen by my fellow pilgrims from Cyrene. But then there was Pentecost, where we stood amazed, while that wind blew out of the East, as we received the Holy Spirit’s grace.