Station 06

From the fifth Station, you will ascend 80 meters to find a small chapel on the left commemorating a special meeting. According to a late tradition from the Middle Ages, Jesus met a woman named Veronica. The place before you, which is believed to have been Veronica’s house, is today a Melkite Greek Catholic Church, with an adjacent chapel of the “Little Sisters of Jesus” of Charles de Foucauld.

The story of Veronica depicts her as an onlooker in the crowd. When Jesus passed by she saw the blood and sweat trickling down from His thorn-crowned forehead and having mercy on Him, wiped His face with her veil or sweat-cloth. When she later looked at her cloth, the face of Jesus had left an imprint upon it. She treasured it all her days and it is believed to have possessed healing qualities.

In the Gospels, nothing is reported about this event. Most likely this story was developed in the Middle Ages as a teaching tool by a play of word. Veronica could be heard as a combination of the Latin word ‘Verus’ and the Greek word ‘Icon’, which together could be understood as meaning “a true-image” of Christ.

Reflection

The true image of Jesus can be imprinted in our heart and minds and in our lives as we live out the life and teachings of Jesus. Jesus says: Learn from me, I am humbled and meek. John, Jesus’ apostle, reflects on the immense love of God and encourages us that we have to love likewise. Jesus is the King of the Universe yet lived on earth as a Servant King. Let us wholeheartedly follow Him.

Prayer

Lord, help me to reflect you everywhere I go, so that others see your face in everything that I am and do.