STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Station 6: A Woman Wipes the Face of Jesus

Location: In front of the City-County Building
(on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.)

A Reading from the Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:40-42)

Meditation

The Gospels do not include the story of a woman who reached out to touch Jesus in this small act of mercy.  She is a part of Christian tradition, however, and that tradition has given her a name:  Veronica.  She reached out to a man on his way to death, and offered kindness, respect, and mercy.

Many people and families in Madison lack stable housing, or any housing. They live in shelters, or doubled up in crowded apartments, or in tents in the woods, or in their cars. Many of them are children and teens. We have taken steps, together, towards improving things for these neighbors of ours; but great need remains. Do we care enough, as a city and county, to commit to making a difference?

In remembering Veronica, we honor all those who offer mercy and hospitality, even in small ways. We remember, too, all those in need of solace and simple compassion in our city today.

A Prayer for the Poor and Neglected

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget:the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy God,
Holy and mighty,
Holy immortal one,
have mercy upon us.