Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
ISAIAH 53:2-3
For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by others; a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity; and as one from whom others hid their faces he was despised, and we held him of no account.
Jesus’ body is showing the extent of his exertion—our tradition tells us of the blood and sweat which mingled on his forehead. The story of Veronica is an extra-scriptural legend, telling how a woman moistened a towel and wiped his suffering face. It is the story of a compassionate and brave act on a terrible day.
PSALM 25:15-16, 19
Turn to me and have pity on me,
For I am left alone and in misery.The sorrows of my heart have increased;
bring me out of my troubles.Protect my life and deliver me;
Let me not be put to shame, for I have trusted in you.
Pray for—
- • the bravery of those who help others in the midst of a distrustful political climate.
- • for every act of compassion and caring.
- • for those who see the presence of God in those who suffer.
- • all those who suffer from any form of danger, violence, degradation, or suffering.
- • yourself, that your eyes may perceive the beauty in each soul and that your heart may be opened for compassion, and your hands may be quick to console.