SIXTH STATION       
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.

From the Book of the Prophet Isaiah – Chapter 53.
He hand no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.  He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and, as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  

From the Book of Psalms – 27. 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

Meditation
“Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me” (Ps -27). Veronica- Bernice, in Greek tradition – embodies the universal yearning of the devout men and women of the Old Testament, the yearning of all believers to see the face of God. On Jesus’ Way of the Cross, though, she at first did nothing more than perform an act of womanly kindness: she held out a facecloth of Jesus. She did not let herself be deterred by the brutality of the soldiers or the fear that gripped the disciples. She is the image of that good woman, who, amid turmoil, and dismay, shows the courage born of goodness and does not allow her heart to be bewildered…Her act of love impressed the true image of Jesus on her heart...Only with the heart can we see Jesus. Only love purifies us and gives us the ability to see. Only love enables us to recognize the God who is love itself.

Prayer
Lord, grant us restless hearts, hearts that seek your face.  Keep us from the blindness of heart that sees only the surface of things. Give us the simplicity and purity that allow us to recognize your presence in the world. When we are not able to accomplish great things, grant us the courage that is born of humility and goodness. Impress your face on our hearts. May we encounter you along the way and show your image to the world.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Stabat Mater: Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled, she beheld her tender child, all with bloody scourges rent.