6: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

Like many of the stations, Veronica's presence is not supported by any of the four Gospels. In fact, much of the legend - including that of the imprint left on the shroud of cloth (not to be confused with the Shroud of Turin) - has been added well after the 11th century. So why do we include this particular legend?

Imagine you came to possess this shroud. What would it mean for you? For your faith? Would you focus on the physical evidence of Christ's existence, as proven by a piece of cloth? Would it help you to believe more, or less? Would you share it with others? At what price?

While we may never entirely know the motivation for including this as a part of the stations, we're reminded that our belief has to transcend what can be seen and heard. We're close to 2000 years after Christ's death, without much (if any) physical proof, yet we believe in Him - in who he was, and who he is now and forever. And we believe that because of the witness supplied by others - by folks during his time as well as our own. From Veronica, wiping his face in hopes to provide some relief, to Simon, pressed into service to help carry the cross, to our parents, grandparents, siblings and friends. We each provide a witness to Christ in our own way - and receive it in our own way as well.

And like Veronica, our true identity and purpose may be lost or forgotten as time presses on. But our witness will live on forever - through the people we touch, support and care for. That's what makes believing without seeing possible.