Sixth Station - Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus
As before I like to start off with contemplating each word the station...
Veronica - Compassion, Fearless, Love, Consoling
Wipes - Cleans, Cares for, Clears
Face - My Lord, Eyes, Lips, Cheeks, Nose, Adored
Jesus - Tired, Injured, Condemned, Faithful, Lord, Son of Man
Pr.: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You.
(GENUFLECT) All: Because by your holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Pr.: "Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?" And answering the king will say to them, "Amen, I say to you, as long as you did it for one of these, the least of my brethren, you did it for me." (Mt. 25, 37 to 40)
How many homeless signs or beggers have I passed? Many. "I cannot help them all" - is what I tell myself. I think to myself, "was that Jesus?" Saint Teresa said, "Each on of them is Jesus in disguise." I try so hard to see Jesus in everyone, but I fall short. I want to be more Christ like and I tell you... it is a journey of its own to be like Him. As a Franciscan I strive to live a Gospel life - I am called to. Sometimes, I think that my failure to be a better friend to Jesus is amplified because I made significant promises to live a Rule. Please, Lord help me to deepen my Franciscan journey and better my friendship with you.
(KNEEL AND PAUSE) All: A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; / he who finds one finds a treasure. / A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. / A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; / for he who fears God behaves accordingly, / and his friend will be like himself. (Sirach 6, 14 to 17)
Pr.: Let us pray. Almighty and ever-loving God, we feel your love and understanding in the consolation and support we receive from one another. Give us, we beg You, the courage and dedication to sacrifice and suffer with those who are in need, the least of your brethren.
All: Amen
Retrieved from:
Celestine J. Damiano, D.D
Archbishop-Bishop of Camden
October 15, 1965
