We continue our journey to the hill of Calvary by looking at the 5th and 6th Station of the Cross.
STATION 5 - THE CROSS IS LAID ON SIMON OF CYRENE
Simon of Cyrene is pressed into service to help carry the Cross for Jesus, but the Cross belongs to Jesus to bear. We can look at Simon as our forefather in the faith. We learn to love the Cross by embracing it, kissing it like we do on Good Friday. The Cross that we reluctantly yet willing accept is the Cross found in the difficulties of the world, or our unfulfilled longings and yearnings and in every cry of pain and agony.
We come to love the Cross because of Christ and the love in which he bore the original. Simon helped Jesus bear his Cross - through the helping hands of our neighbors and through God's grace, we are not left alone to bear our crosses. Like Simon we stand with those in need and like Simon our friends stand with us in the carrying of our burdens, our crosses.
STATION 6 - VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
The person of Veronica is not found in Scripture, but the action of one who responds to agony and pain, to the need for an act of kindness is not only found in the Scriptures but demanded in the Gospels. Thus the Church gives us this moment of compassion.
The face of Jesus is ultimately inseparable from the image of his crown of thorns and the injury inflicted by the blows of his tormentors. The face of suffering revealed to Veronica (revealed to us) will soon be the face of glory. His face will shine upon us and we will know peace as we see him face to face.
May we be a Veronica to those most in need and may Gospel love be brought to the world through us.
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