Jesus is taken down from the cross
"We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you. Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world. "
Matthew 27:57-58
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.
Reflection:
Jesus is dead. His body hangs on the cross, limp and lifeless, until at last it is taken down and placed in the lap of his mother. Mary can do absolutely nothing to change the events of this day, but in her helplessness, she does not withdraw in defeat. She clings to her son. By her example, may we learn to do the same. Let us be granted the same strength as Mary, that we will not admit defeat to the devil and his evil, that we may cling to Jesus and trust in him to lead us on the path of God's plan.
Prayer:
Mary, Mother of Jesus you had to witness the horrible way your Son was put to death. You were but a helpless witness. Your grief and sorrow were overwhelming, yet you didn't admit defeat and you clung to your son. We pray that you grant us the same strength, that even through the toughest times, that we may cling to your son in the same way that you did, and stick to the plan that he has for us.