Station 6: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

I have a vivid memory from early elementary school when I played St. Veronica in a short skit during Sunday School. I was very shy growing up and, therefore, I wasn’t too happy about being cast as a named role. I didn’t want all the other kids’ eyes on me. I also didn’t want to touch the face of the boy playing Jesus because I held a very strong conviction that all boys had cooties.

Despite my misgivings, I didn’t want to be labeled a troublemaker, so I went along with the skit and played my part.

I could have learned a lot from St. Veronica about when to let go of anxieties and judgments and, instead, lead with my heart.

💛 St. Veronica held so much love in her heart that she did not care about the unwanted attention her act of care would subject her to. 

Despite everyone around her jeering at Jesus, she did not judge Him. Despite His humble clothing and beaten-down appearance, St. Veronica never judged Him. Instead, she saw His heart, and without any regard for how her action might affect her, she stepped forward and cleansed His face.

This act was one of sympathy and selflessness. In that moment, she did not think about herself or what others would think. She let herself be guided by selfless love.

St. Veronica was not worried about “cooties” or being seen as a “troublemaker.” She was not anxious about standing out. She trusted God’s plan for her. By trusting God and showing her face, she was able to preserve the face of Christ.

A Prayer for Lent

🙏 This Lent, I pray for:
💛 Compassion
😊 Positivity
✨ Humility
🤲 Selflessness
💪 Strength to lead with love

Veronica Koutsky

Faith +1 Newman UCSD CLC