When we speak or think about the Most Holy Face of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, we usually turn our minds to the sixth station in the Way of the Cross where St. Veronica, beholding the Sacred Face covered with blood and sweat, compassionately wiped it with her veil, heedless of the rabble surrounding Jesus.

However, we forget that veneration of the Sacred Face ties in with the mystery of the Incarnation and that the devotion began much earlier.  Already in the stable at Bethlehem, the first, besides Mary and Joseph, to express their reverence were the angels, the shepherds and the Magi.

Likewise, we fail to reflect on the Divine Face, perspiring in fatigue during His teaching of the crowds or beaming at the sight of people rejoicing because of a miraculous cure or conversion.  We also do not too frequently remember the Sacred Face radiant with glory during the Transfiguration at Mount Tabor.  The Face of Christ at that moment was so resplendent and beautiful that the Apostles looking at it ?saw no one else but Jesus alone, the Son of God in Whom the Father was well pleased.?