Station 6
Veronica Wipes Jesus’ Face (detail), graphite and watercolour, 40 x 60cm. Photographer: Christophe Canato
“Suddenly a woman comes out of the crowd. Her name is Veronica. You can see how she cares for you as she takes a cloth and begins to wipe the blood and sweat from your face. She can’t do much, but she offers what little help she can.”
In this piece, I’ve merged the compassionate act of Veronica wiping the face of Jesus with the inner struggle of Jesus under the weight of the Cross. I endeavoured to explore the idea of showing compassion to one’s self in our personal struggles. Every individual has emotional needs, and meeting those needs demonstrates self-compassion and self-love.
There are times when we need support, touch, understanding, and encouragement from others. But the more we practice self-nurturing, self-compassion and self-forgiveness, the better our relationships become with each other, ourselves, and the divine.
Meditation
Wiping faces, dirty faces;
faces full of sweat and tears,
faces covered in chocolate and in jam.
Wiping faces is something we try to do gently and lovingly,
something that soothes and cleanses,
something that brings healing.
Wiping faces is something we do for those who are young, or old,
or in pain, or in trouble,
Wanting them to know that they are cherished and loved.
And when we wipe the faces of God’s little ones,
we are wiping the face of God.
© Ruth Burgess and Chris Polhill
Eggs and Ashes: Practical & liturgical resources for Lent and Holy Week.
Station Information
- Year: 2017
- Station Number 6
- Veronica Wipes Jesus' Face
- Exhibitor Kristi Chua Pinjes
Reading
I was hungry and you fed me,
thirsty, and you gave me a drink.
I was a stranger and you received me in your homes,
naked and you clothed me;
I was sick and you took care of me,
in prison and you visited me.
Whenever you did this – you did it for me.
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