Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
He had no form or charm to attract us, no beauty to win our hearts; he was despised, the lowest of men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. He was one from whom we averted our gaze; one despised, for whom we had no regard. (Is 52, 2–3)
O Lord, hear my voice as I cry. Pity me, answer me. Of you, my heart has said, ‘Seek his face.’ Your face, O Lord, I seek. Do not turn away from me. (Ps 27, 7–9)
All of us with our unveiled faces like mirrors reflecting the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the image that we reflect in brighter and brighter glory. This is the working of the Lord who is Spirit. (2 Cor 3, 18)
Our love must be not just words or mere talk, but something active and genuine. (1 Jn 3, 18)
Lord Jesus, when you were physically abused, tormented and mocked, exhausted from carrying your cross and ours, and afflicted with great sorrow, one woman, moved by her love for you, showed extraordinary courage and compassion in breaking from the crowd to wipe your sweating and bleeding face with her veil.
Loving Lord, I come before you openly and unabashed, to offer you my service however small and simple that may be. Give me courage and strength, Lord, to serve you in my brothers and sisters, especially those whom I may have rejected, despised or simply disregarded. In their features, Lord, I seek yours. By mirroring your love in my actions may I come to reflect your glorious image. In all I do and in everyone, I meet may I always seek your face.
Lord Jesus Crucified, have mercy.
