Veronica wipes Jesus' face: A Reflection

While witnessing Jesus’ death march to Golgotha, it would have been easier to remain static and indifferent than to be moved by charity. It would have been less dangerous to just sob within than to cry aloud. It would take more than an ounce of courage to be near the convicted Jesus in the presence of the Roman soldiers. However, a pious woman from Jerusalem dared to step out from the crowd and gave Jesus her veil to wipe His Holy Face. By the time Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, Peter denied Him and most of the apostles faded away; Veronica dared to manifest her faith. 

She felt helpless and couldn’t even find a way to alleviate Jesus from suffering. She had nothing to offer but her love and a simple cloth to clear out the spittle, blood and sweat from His face. Veronica’s simple gesture of love was authentic, selfless and unconditional. Then, the Lord returned her cloth and His image was impressed on it. 

Miracles do happen when we dare to love. Our expression of love doesn’t have to be complicated. We can express love in the simplest yet most effective way that we know. But most of the time, we have so many doubts and fears that are proven to be useless anxieties. When we focus on love, life becomes simple and uncluttered. The book "The Sacred Heart for Lent" tells us that “Jesus invites us to the simplicity of an uncluttered life and, even more important, an uncluttered heart. Peace is found not in the abundance of goods but in an uncluttered heart devoted to the Lord.” 

If we have an uncluttered heart, we can dare to love. The image of Jesus is imprinted to those who love.