Veronica Wipes Jesus’ Face

Stations of the Cross #6

^{‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:40)}

The Gospels don’t mention Veronica. She comes to us from Church tradition. But we can imagine her there, overwhelmed yet offering whatever small comfort she could. Any of us would do the same. Wouldn’t we?

Every time we give whatever meagre comfort we can to people who are suffering, we are washing the face of Jesus.

So let’s pray:

My Lord, if I had seen you
Bruised and bloody,
Disfigured and shamed,
Would I have dared approach
With whatever meagre comfort I could give?
Or would I have been paralysed
By shock, disgust or fear?
I am answered every time I see
One of the least of those you love
Bruised and bloody,
Disfigured and shamed.
Have mercy, Lord, for I have often
Looked and walked away.
Give me strength, I pray, 
And make me ready, next time,
To wash your face
When I find you
Bruised and bloody,
Disfigured and shamed. Amen

With love from Rev Margaret

Image photographed and artistically rendered by Lindsay Gardiner