“ The cross is the school of love.”

St. Maximillian Kolbe

The Stations of the Cross or Via Crucis, follows Jesus’ road to the Calvary. In a series of stops (stations), we prayerfully walk with Christ's passion, death and resurrection. It is a prayer that can be prayed all year round but it is more prevalently prayed during the season of Lent.

The stop or station that always struck me is the 6th station, Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. Although not found in the bible, Veronica in this station represents “the pure of heart” spoken of in the beatitudes. Her love gave her courage to fight the crowds, the soldiers. Her love called her to action, made her brave.

You have said, "Seek my face". My heart says to you, "Your face, Lord, do I seek". Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Cast me not off, forsake me not, O God of my salvation.   

The Book of Psalms. 27:8-9

While everyone ran, she continued to walk alongside him. She walked the road most of His followers abandoned. She would not leave Him alone.

“Moved by Compassion, Veronica presents her veil to Jesus, to wipe his disfigured face. He imprints on it His holy face and returns it to her as a recompense.” St. Francis of Assisi.

In that moment nothing else mattered. She sought him,cared for him, loved him with all her might. She saw the face of God in his mercy. We can easily be any of  these characters in this scene.  Are you the crowd, who mock and denounce him?  Are you his followers, disciples who ran away when times got rough? Or are you Veronica, filled with love and compassion unafraid to do the better part and thankful for a merciful God who gave up His life for us.

Dear Beloved Jesus,

“I give you my whole heart, stamp on it Your holy image, that I may never forget You.” 

- St. Francis of Assisi

Blessed Holy Week.