This morning I was reflecting on the stations of the cross, the final steps Christ took before dying for me and for you. I was trying to place myself in the scene and ask myself who I related to most.
Where do I belong? Who am I? Am I one of the curious people that are there just for the fun of it? Am I there with my indifference, my “whatever” mood?
Am I amidst the crowd that’s screaming, “away with him, crucify him,” consciously denying Christ’s action and presence in my soul, pushing him away with my sins?
Am I one of the soldiers berating him with my slander, backbiting, or criticism?
Or rather can I be Veronica who, wipes the sweat and blood from the face of Jesus with my charity, smile, gratitude, service, actions, and forgiveness. Or maybe I can be like Simon of Cyrene, helping Christ carry His cross by getting out of my selfish zone by serving others, by giving of myself to those around me.
Maybe I can be like Mary, the silent and faithful companion who stood by Christ from the beginning to the end, not saying anything but just being there for Him with a silent presence that says it all.
Well, today here in Haiti I saw Veronica, Simon of Cyrene, the wailing women, and Mary. Yes, I even saw Jesus carrying His cross in the 240 dying patients at the Stations of the Cross at the Home of the Dying.
Let’s keep living this Good Friday accompanying Jesus In his loneliest day!
