V. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. (You may bow your head or genuflect)
R. Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world.
Read and Listen: (Is 53:2b-3; Mk 9:2-3,7)
"There was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him, nor appearance that would attract us to him. He was spurned, and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, one of those from whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem" (Is 53:2b-3) Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James and John off by themselves with him and led them up a high mountain. He was transfigured before their eyes and his clothes became dazzlingly white—whiter than the work of any bleacher could make them....A cloud came, overshadowing them, and out of the cloud a voice: "This is my Son, my beloved. Listen to him" (Mk 9:2-3, 7).
Reflect
When everybody else avoided getting involved with the condemned Jesus, though one was curious to see who and how he was, here came Veronica closer to Jesus out of compassion. The act of wiping the sweat off his face paid off with the lasting imprint of his holy face on it. In her purity of heart, she saw God in Jesus, the true image of God (Mt 5:8). How we all long to see Jesus and have a constant reminder of him in our life? The story of Veronica tells us that with love in our hearts, we can see Jesus in others. And in little good works we do in love for them, Jesus' image is marked in our lives. We become God's true image before others. This is why when at the end of life, knocking at the gate of heaven, the Lord will immediately recognize us for the good things done to others, especially the ones in need (the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the sick, the imprisoned, the stranger, the lost one, Mt 25:35-36).
Pray
Dear Jesus. how many times have I wanted to help others in their need? But I was too busy, or shy, or indifferent. I lacked the courage and failed to show my care for others. May I not do things only for the payment or price that goes with it. Let it suffice that the happiness in doing good be the very reward for me. The rest I leave to you then. May I be helpful at home or in my community always. Let not human respect or outward appearance hinder me from reaching out to others and to you. May my faith in you help me see the transfigured beauty in every brother and sister that crosses my path, and to succor at once, should my assistance be needed. Amen. (You may say the Our Father before you go to the next station.)