Sixth Station: A woman wipes the face of Jesus
Scripture
“Listen: a woman in the city, in a less-than-pious profession, had noticed that he was dining in the Pharisee’s house, and brought a jar of ointment. She stood behind him at his feet, sobbing. And she began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with the hair on her head. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment” (Luke 7:37-38).
Meditation
Bedside, monitors muted, hall busy
and a world outside somehow still turning
while you lie still, half dozing, half awake
in pain barely eased by the I.V. drip
or the supplications I breathe in, out.
But there is cool water and a cloth.
I will anoint forehead, cheeks, lips, and chin.
Scripture
Jesus, your suffering on the Way overwhelms us, as does the pain we see in the world around us. It seems too great to bear, and we are paralyzed, unable to act when no action seems sufficient. Remind us, Lord Jesus, that it takes no more than cold water and a cloth. And as we dare to take such small relief into a hurting world, let us not neglect those along our own way who offer the same to us. We ask this so we might serve one another, and reflect you in this world you love. Amen.