Wiping the Face of Jesus

Every time I reflect on the Stations of the Cross, I am reminded of the saint name I chose for confirmation.  In the sixth station, Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.  This station has always stood out to me.  I remember choosing Veronica because I found her simple act of compassion towards Jesus to be so profound and moving and for some reason, it really resonated with me.  Each one of us has the ability to show compassion and love to each and every single person that we encounter each day, to wipe the face of Jesus.  Just as the face of Christ appeared on Veronica’s veil, our lives can reflect the image of Christ to others, by our words and actions.

Whether we realize it or not, every day, we have opportunities to reflect the image of Jesus to those around us.  When we complete an act of kindness, offer to pray for someone, listen to another in a time of need, or simply serve someone in any way, we are wiping the face of Christ.  The love and compassion we show to others is love and compassion that we show to Jesus.

It would have been much easier for Veronica to not step out from the crowd and to remain indifferent.  In her feeling of helplessness and knowing that she could not alleviate Jesus’ suffering, she came forward and wiped the blood and sweat from His face.  Oftentimes, it is the same for us.  It is easier to stay hidden among the crowd, to follow the way of the culture, to not take a stand for what we believe, to ignore the suffering and hurting of those around us, to be indifferent.  But this is not the way Christ calls us to.  We are called to reach out to others and to walk with them just as Christ walks with us.  We cannot all do big things or accomplish tremendous tasks.  But we can love.  And many times, it is in the simplest and most seemingly small gestures that we can make a difference.
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Jesus, thank you for suffering and making the ultimate sacrifice for each and every one of us.  Give us the courage to step out of our comfort zones to wipe the blood, sweat, and tears from your face.  Help us to know that whatever we do for others, we do for you.  Imprint Your image onto our hearts so that we would show the world who You are and be a reflection of Your love.  Amen.