Help on the way

Jesus is at the end of His rope. He falls down. Have you never felt like you’ve got no options or energy left? We all experience these borderline situations at some point in our lives. And then it is important to receive help to get on our feet again when you can’t do it on your own. Jesus takes us by the hand and picks us up when we are down. And then there will be kind people who mean well with us and show us new perspectives in life. Falling is not the problem, but staying down, not wanting or being able to get up. Jesus fell repeatedly on His last and most difficult part of His life, but He always got up again. Let us always look to Him who is our life and promises life in fullness.

Jesus experiences help. He accepts help. This is deeply human. That is how it should always be. But in reality it is not. Many people need help, but they do not get it. Other people do not accept help out of pride or false shame. If we want to live true humanity, we must learn to accept help when we need it, but also to give help when it is needed. We live in the YOU of others and in the YOU of God.  Jesus opens Himself up to this social level of being human. And He also does not judge the help of others, their motivations, whether unselfish or not, because these can still change and improve over time. To let oneself be helped is a sign of inner greatness and the appreciation of being dependent on others. The experience of being helped can lead to gratitude and love, and to the insight that we as humans belong together, are made for each other and for the joy of God.     

All real life is encounter (Martin Buber).

Yes, even during His passion Jesus experiences encounter, a real deep encounter.

Veronica, a woman who walked with Jesus like other disciples and participated in His life and in His good news.

Veronica, a woman who let herself be touched by Jesus' mercy, His selfless love and a joyful and liberating faith.

She wants to comfort the One who has given her life a new meaning, to be close to Him during His passion.

Jesus accepts this encounter. He is always open to people who are sincere. He accepts human comfort and encouragement. He shares His suffering, but also His hope.  

Jesus and Veronica: an encounter in deepest pain, which gives both of them strength to endure and overcome suffering.

Sr. Verena Haase

 

 

"If it does you good, then come!"

 

(St. Francis of Assisi)