The Stations of the Cross have always fascinated me. They are disturbing and yet comforting somehow. The Son of God, in human flesh like ours, enduring severe physical pain willingly, knowingly, for the sake of our souls. But more than that, taking on the emotional burden of the sins of the world. It is astounding to consider.
Over the past two years, I have particularly pondered Station VI: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus. I prefer to imagine that this woman was so moved with compassion for Our Lord that she ran to Him regardless of the guards and chastisers surrounding Him. I see her rushing to the fallen Jesus and pressing the cloth to His face. Perhaps she did not actually touch Him. Perhaps she did not hear His divine voice. Maybe she merely caught a glimpse of His penetrating yet sympathetic eyes just before he was prodded onward toward the remainder of His Mount Calvary trek.
Veronica was left with an imprint of the face of Christ. It was not painstakingly created as would have been a painting. Nor did it claim the clarity of a digital photo capturing an instant. But it was enough to proclaim a miracle. It was enough to be honored as one of several moments depicted for meditation regarding the Lord’s sacrifice for Man.
Did Jesus’ suffering include foregoing a single loving touch throughout His final agony leading to crucifixion? We have become a world of many words and little meaning. We communicate through blogs and forums, emails and texts. Can we see Christ in each other when we cannot see each other at all? It is a challenge, to say the least.
I experienced a flash of life within me. A miracle that lasted but a moment. A being I would never hold, a part of me who would remain undefined, and unknown. Ambiguous, vague. Yet understood somehow in that I know myself and I know she was a part of me. I chose the name Veronica because she has reminded me to be moved by my passion, to intercede despite the chastisers, to emulate the True Image of Christ. My husband chose the name Lily for purity.
Veronica Lily, intercede for us.
