Bruised,
derided, cursed, defiled, She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges
rent,
Pray for us, Virgin most sorrowful
That we may be made worthy of the promises
of Christ.
and we bless you.
Because by your holy cross
you have redeemed the world.
Station 6
(4)Jesus' journey is at times brutal.
He has entered into the terrible experiences of rejection and injustice. He has been whipped and beaten. His face shows the signs of his solidarity with all who have ever suffered injustice and vile, abusive treatment.
He encounters a compassionate, loving disciple who wipes the vulgar spit and mocking blood from his face. On her veil, she discovers the image of his face - his gift to her. And, for us to contemplate forever.
What does the face of Jesus hold for me? What do I see, as I look deeply into his face?
Can I try to comfort the agony and pain? Can I embrace him, with his face so covered with his passion?
The veil I behold is a true icon of his gift of himself. This is for me. In wonder and awe, I behold his face now wiped clean, and see the depth of his suffering in solidarity with all flesh.
I say what I can say, to express my gratitude.
Lord Jesus, help us walk in your steps.
Meditation:
(2)Tradition has bequeathed us Veronica. Perhaps she is a counterpart to the story of the man from Cyrene. In obedience to the dictates of her heart, she wiped his face.
Tradition has it that an imprint of Christ's features remained on the handkerchief she used. Yet, a different significance can be attributed to this detail if it is considered in the light of Christ's words about the final judgment.
There will undoubtedly be many who will ask "Lord, when did we ever do these things for you?" And Jesus will reply: "Whatever you did for the least of these brethren of mine, you did for me." (Mt 25,37,40)
In fact, the Savior leaves his imprint on every single act of charity, as on Veronica's handkerchief.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Lord Jesus crucified, have mercy on us.
