As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. (Luke 23:26)

If you’re like me and many other people, you have a hard time accepting help. But that’s a problem, because it’s a symptom of pride, which is a serious sin. We’re all sinners, of course, and we’re all prideful to some degree, but our duty as Christians is to work on growing in virtue and reducing our vices.

The way to reduce a vice is to cultivate the opposing virtue. In the case of pride, the opposing virtue is humility, so we need to engage in acts of humility if we want to counteract our pride.

When Our Lord was carrying His Cross, He accepted help. This was an act of humility. So when He tells us to pick up our own crosses and follow Him, it means imitating the way that He carried His Cross — which means humbly accepting help, just like He did.

This can be difficult, because we think “This is my burden to bear” or “I don’t deserve help” or “I got myself into this, so I need to get myself out of it” or “I need to be strong, and accepting help would mean that I’m weak.” These thoughts are nothing more than false humility — pride in disguise.

Our Lord didn’t prevent Simon of Cyrene from helping Him, He didn’t say “No, this is my Cross, not yours”. Instead, He humbly accepted the help that was offered, not objecting or thinking Himself undeserving, or worrying about admitting His weakness.

So, on this Good Friday evening, I encourage you to do the same. Whatever crosses you may be bearing, don’t be afraid to ask for help and accept it when it’s offered. It was ultimately a blessing for Simon that he had the privilege of helping Jesus carry His Cross, and likewise anyone who helps you carry your crosses will be blessed too, because you’re giving them an opportunity to engage in an act of loving kindness.

If Christ wasn’t above accepting help bearing His burdens, then neither are any of us.

I hope you’re having a very fruitful Holy Week, and a very blessed Triduum.

I’m praying for you; please pray for me, too.