People on the way

Veronica, a brave woman. She does not talk a lot and does not wait to see if others will help, no, she is committed, she acts.

This is different to the women on the roadside. Why are they on this path? - Is it curiosity or compassion? - While Veronika takes bold action, these women although possibly compassionate, fearful or disappointed, but rather passive. This Jesus, in whom they have placed all their hopes, He was supposed to save them from their earthly misery. Now He is on the ground - quite different to what they expected. He becomes earthly, He becomes completely like a human being. In their lowliness, in their misery, He knows all despair and fear. – They begin to doubt, is this the Messiah we hoped for? - Jesus understands the levels of their faith and despite His own suffering, He turns to the women. He reminds them of their motherhood, of their daily duties, of their vocation as women and mothers with the words that have been handed down to us: " Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children." - " Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?" And later He gives us the promise: "I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Which side are you on - active or rather passive? - Mother Teresa answers like this:

Do You need my hands, Lord, to help the sick and poor who need help today? Lord, I give You my hands today.

Do You need my feet, Lord, to carry me to those today who need a friend? Lord, I give You my feet today.

Do You need my voice, Lord, that I may speak the work of love to those who need it today? Lord, I give You my voice today.

Do You need my heart, Lord, that I may love each person today without exception? Lord, I give You my heart today.

Sr. Hildegard Braun