Sixth Station:

Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

Leader: We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you.

All: Because by your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, suddenly a woman comes out of the crowd. Her name is Veronica. You can see how
she cares for you as she takes a cloth and begins to wipe the blood and sweat from your face.
She can't do much, but she offers what little help she can.

As a child, sometimes I know someone could use a little help and understanding. They may be
picked on or teased by others, or just sad or lonely. Sometimes I feel bad that others don't step
in to help, but I don't help either.

As an adult, I notice the needs around me. Sometimes my own family members crave my
attention, and I don't even seem to notice. Sometimes a co-worker, friend, or family member
could use help or understanding, but I don't reach out to help lest I be criticized, or that they
demand more of me than I'd like to give.

My tender Jesus, Who didst deign to print Thy sacred face upon the cloth with which Veronica
wiped the sweat from off Thy brow, print in my soul deep, I pray Thee, the lasting memory of
Thy bitter pains.

Our Father.... Hail Mary.... Glory be to the Father....

Leader: Jesus Christ Crucified.

All: Have mercy on Us.
Leader: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in peace.
All: Amen.
 Sixth Station:
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
Scripture

For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made his
light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6, NIV

Meditation

The glory of God in the bloody agonized face of Christ? Is

that what Veronica saw as she stood in the crowd and watched Jesus labor toward her under the burden
of the cross? By the time he reached her, his back was flayed open and streaming. A thorny crown
pierced his skull and rivulets of blood mixed with sweat coursed down his face and neck. Shock made
him able to focus only narrowly. Moved by compassion, Veronica stepped forward into his line of vision
and entered a holy moment when Jesus stood dulled to the murmuring crowd, yet keenly conscious of
her. In their brief exchange, passion flowed from one to the other and back again.

What message did Christ convey as he staggered under his cross and stood staring at the woman who
dared to unfasten her veil in a public place? Woman, I come at the impulse of the Father to befriend you,
to tell you of His great love for you. I bear this cross for you.

What did she think as with gentle hands she wiped his bloody face and gazed gratefully, lovingly,
desperately into eyes that made her know beyond doubt that God indeed had come into the world bodily
and that he stood before her letting her touch his face? Lord, let me dwell in your house all my days and
look upon your beauty.

Then Jesus pressed his face into the cloth of Veronicas veil. In that small act, he foreshadowed the
coming union with his beloved. I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let
the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those
you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because
you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I
know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to
make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in
them. (See John 17:23-26 NIV)

Action
The press of circumstances and the madness of my moments wrestle me constantly, making every
attempt to steal away my knowledge of Gods glory. Tragedies arise and sins (mine and others) abound
making Gods glory difficult for me to see. Burdens beset me and weaknesses lay me low. The flame of
Gods glory often seems only an ember or extinguished altogether. How can I keep his glory always
before me, in the midst of every trial, every mad moment, every tragedy, burden or weakness? By
remembering where his glory is revealed in the face of Christ. Its in his face I see Gods love, furious and
tender, completely jealous and altogether outrageous, manifested in his utter obedience to suffer on my
behalf. I will look into his beautiful, bloody glorious face.

Prayer
Jesus, I want to be the one who steps out of the crowd to come and touch your face. I want to see clearly
the weight of your suffering for me as I look into your eyes. Let me take off my veil and stand before
you taking in the Fathers glory and being transformed into your likeness. Let me demonstrate to others a
measure of the extravagant love you have lavished on me.

Chorus
We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.