Stations of the Cross – 9th Station
9th Station – Jesus meets Veronica and the women of Jerusalem.
We adore you O Christ and we praise you.
Because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Large numbers of people followed him, and women too, who mourned and lamented for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep rather for yourselves and for your children. For look, the days are surely coming when people will say, “Blessed are those who are barren, the wombs that have never borne children, the breasts that have never suckled!” Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”; to the hills, “Cover us!” For if this is what is done to green wood, what will be done when the wood is dry?’
St Luke’s Gospel 23:27-31
Reflection
Veronica, although not specifically mentioned by the scriptures, is known as one of the women of Jerusalem. A women wipes his face with a towel and the imprint of the Sacred Face was imprinted on it. The word ‘Veronica’ comes from the Latin word ‘Vera’ which means true and the Greek word ‘Eikon’ which means ‘image’, and is the actual cloth. The woman who wipes the face of Jesus has come to be known as Veronica. In this station the imprint of the face of Jesus reminds us that we are looking at the image of the unseen God (Cor.1:15). Though the kindness of a woman from Jerusalem, Lord Jesus, you were refreshed a little. Lord, you are merciful. Look on me with compassion, mercy and love.
Lord Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, help us to follow you faithfully.
