Fierce looking soldiers surrounded Jesus. They were determined to execute the order; nothing must stop them from ensuring that Jesus was crucified at Calvary. Who dare stop them! Their sight alone was a warning. So all who loved Jesus followed mournfully from a safe distance.
However, a woman in the weeping crowd matched her compassion for the bleeding Jesus with courage. She was so deeply touched that her attention faded from the fierce-looking soldiers and was singularly directed at the person of Jesus and His wounds and pains. This experience made her to begin to associate herself personally and totally with Jesus. Thus, it did not matter whether she was not the only one weeping or following Jesus; it did not matter what the blood-thirsty soldiers would do, neither did it matter what people would say! All that concerned her then was the good she could do for Jesus at that moment.
Therefore, she stepped out of her comfort zone to wipe the face of Jesus with her veil. It was as if she wanted to share her comfort with Jesus. Today we encounter the bleeding face of Jesus wherever there is hardship, tension, misunderstanding, unforgiveness, injustice, etc. Veronica has given us an example. Our compassion at such situations must not be mere self-pity. We must translate it into a living experience of encounter by backing it up with courage and action. Jesus says “In so far as you did this to the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40). Like Veronica, we must focus our attention on Jesus and recognize His face in our brothers and sisters. This will energize us to move out of our comfort zones to bring comfort to others.
Good Friday reflection
April 10, 2009
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