Spotter

Whether it's a parents’ divorce, bad grades, a bad break-up or feeling generally anxious, we all have real struggles. Usually, these crosses are not clearly visible to others. It is critical to remember that God never intends this suffering; it was never part of his plan. Even though God doesn’t want suffering, he absolutely uses it to bear good fruit and gives us tangible help, just like Jesus had the physical help of Simon of Cyrene to carry his cross to Calvary.

Hidden strength

Just like Simon of Cyrene helping Jesus, we, too, are called to help those around us amid their struggles in very real, and often simple, ways. Simon most likely didn’t have the whole picture about what his help would do, and perhaps he even questioned if he could help at all. But Simon’s help amid Jesus’ passion was not overlooked. We see that this example is a model for how we can help and receive help from others. This help we both give and receive doesn’t just flow from our strength or personal perfection; rather, we can rely on the grace of the Holy Spirit to support us, and on Jesus to carry crosses with us.  

Lifting with others

So how do we help those around us in real, tangible ways? Here are a few ways we can mirror the model of Simon and Jesus carrying the cross together:

• Presence. One of the biggest tools in helping others is our presence. We might not have all the answers and we don’t need to, but we can be present to listen and love them as they carry their cross. We can simply let them know we are there for them when they need a helping hand or someone to listen.
• Reflect back. When carrying a cross, people often just want to be seen and understood. As someone lets you into their struggle, you can simply reflect back what they are sharing with you. It can be as simple as “I hear/see that you are feeling …” and then let them know you care for them amid their trouble.
• The Check-in. We can’t always know how someone wants help, but we can let them know we are there and ask the simple question, “How can I help?” Sometimes we can directly help by offering our time, help studying, accountability with destructive habits, or letting them know they are cared for. Or perhaps we can point them in the right direction for receiving help from their parents, their parish priest, a therapist or other support in their lives.

Life often presents us with real crosses for ourselves and others. With the model and help of Christ we are able to lift with others their crosses in real, simple and powerful ways. As we lift and support others, we can remember that Christ is always at work amid sufferings for our absolute greatest good and ultimate healing.