May 30, 2009 at 4:42 pm (Devotionals)
Tags: MaryLou Driedger
Be kind and compassionate to one another.
Ephesians 4:32
Who was Veronica? I didn’t know anything about her until I visited Jerusalem and walked the path that Jesus is said to have walked with his cross. At one point along the way a stone marker bears the name Veronica. I learned there is a legend that a woman named Veronica made her way towards Jesus as he passed by with his heavy cross. Braving the soldiers’ swords and possible ridicule from the crowd she stepped forward and used her veil to wipe the spit and sweat from Jesus’ face. As she took the veil away the image of Christ’s face was imprinted on it.
There are many theories as to who Veronica actually was. Some say she was really Martha, Lazarus’ sister. Others claim she was the woman that Jesus had healed of a flow of blood. There is a theory that she was the wife of Zacchaeus and still another that her real name was Sheraphia and she was the wife of an influential member of the Sanhedrin. It was believed she had followed Jesus secretly in the past but on this day she publicly supported him as he walked through the final hours of his life.
Later I visited the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. I saw a painting that seemed to depict the scene from the story of Veronica. I asked one of the priests if it was a painting of Veronica and he affirmed it was.
We are called to be compassionate like Veronica. When we meet those whose pain might be eased by an act of compassion we should willingly offer our services. The name Veronica means ‘true image’. When we show kindness to people the way Veronica did we are indeed portraying a ‘true image’ of Christ.
God gives me eyes to see those who might be encouraged by an act of kindness or compassion today. May I reach out in a caring way.
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May 4, 2009 at 1:09 pm (Devotionals)
We toured the Little India section of Singapore. I saw a Hindu temple whose roof and entrance were lavishly decorated with numerous colorful carved deities. I was told these gods were placed on the outside of the temple because people of lower caste were not allowed inside. Having the gods on the exterior made it possible for those of inferior social station to worship from a distance. It made me think of how Christian churches have also forced some people to worship God from without, rather than from within. There have been times when we have restricted certain groups from participating fully in the life of the institutional church because of their gender, lifestyle choice, social class, skin color or age.
Singapore is a modern city filled with gleaming skyscrapers, built as cathedrals to house the business giants of the fast paced world of high finance, technology and designer shopping. How delightful then to stumble upon St. Andrew’s Cathedral right in the centre of town. A huge banner on the church fence invited people into the church to pray, reminding them that JESUS SAID, “COME UNTO ME AND REST.” I was impressed that in the heart of a frantically paced metropolis, people were being asked to remember how the spiritual aspect of life can provide a respite from our driven existence.
I went inside the cathedral. Stained glass windows filtered in lovely colored light. Candles flickered in wrought iron holders. The stone floor and heavy wooden benches created a solid, stable feel. Prayer stools upholstered with distinctive hand made needlepoint pictures were found under every pew. I thought of the countless hours dedicated parishioners of the church must have spent designing and embroidering the coverings for over a hundred stools. How many thousands of visitors had used them to kneel before God with their petitions and praises? The quiet, beautiful cathedral truly was an inviting peaceful place of rest.
God help your family and your church to be a place of rest for everyone. May I do my part to make everyone feel welcome and invited into your kingdom.
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