Gospel in Art: Stations of the Cross - 6: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

The Veil of Veronica, by Domenico Fetti ©National Gallery of Art, Washington

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 7 April 2022

Lamentations 3: 48-50; Numbers 11:24-26

My eyes flow with rivers of tears because of the destruction of my people. My eyes will flow without ceasing, without respite, until the Lord from heaven looks down and sees. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Reflection on the painting

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you

Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Is this your true face, O Christ? In the midst of this hurt and horror, you still have such a gentle, tender, kind expression. The generosity of your actions are visible.

Whether or not this is the 'true image', or in Latin, the 'vera icon', the two words combined give that compassionate woman at Golgotha a really appropriate name: Veronica. She felt so deeply for you, Lord, that one simple gesture, to wipe the sweat and blood of your face was all she could do. A beautiful gesture of a woman who took pity.

I take pity as well my Jesus, as I watch you on your way to Calvary, but I take for granted what you did for me that day. I have watched you on your Via Crucis so many times that I have become somewhat immune to what you did for us. Rekindle in me the fire of empathy and help me to walk the next eight stations truly beside you… and not be a mere spectator…

Our Father, who art in heaven…

Hail Mary, full of grace…

Glory be to the Father and to the Son…

Normal Gospel reading for the day: John 8:51-59:

Very truly, I tell you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.' The Jews said to him, 'Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, and so did the prophets; yet you say, "Whoever keeps my word will never taste death." Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?' Jesus answered, 'If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, he of whom you say, "He is our God", though you do not know him. But I know him; if I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.' Then the Jews said to him, 'You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?' Jesus said to them, 'Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.' So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

LINKS

Christian Art: www.christian.art

Today's picture: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/corinthians-4-6-2022/