VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,

Because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

There was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him,

nor appearance that would attract us to him.

He was spurned and avoided by men,

A man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity,

One of those from whom men hide their faces,

Spurned, and we held him in no esteem (Is 53:2-3)

Jesus is surrounded by hatred, ridicule and violence. Even his best friends fear the crowd and stay away from him. Only one woman, Veronica, dares to step out and show him a sign of compassion.

When our faith in Christ is challenged and our conscience calls us to stand up for what is true and right, do we have the courage to go against public opinion or our own traditions? Do we have the courage of Veronica to stand by Jesus? Do we have enough courage to show that we are followers of Christ wherever we are: at home, on the street or in the place of work?

Let us pray:

Lord, to follow you, to witness to you, to stand by you is not easy, especially when our sins obscure your face. Give us the grace never to let ourselves be scandalised by the sinfulness of your followers or discouraged when despised by your enemies.

For the sins of his own nation

She saw him hang in desolation

Till his spirit forth he sent.